[Indic-computing-users] Free software... Indic solutions... and the government

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Source: blThe Hindu Business Line 
(http://www.blonnet.com/2003/02/28/stories/2003022802220300.htm)
 
Free software use can help in growth 
 
Our Bureau 
 
NEW DELHI, Feb. 27
 
ACKNOWLEDGING the virtues of free and open source software, the Economic Survey presented on Thursday says the Indian Government is actively exploring how such software can be fully utilised in the country.
 
"The use of free software reduces costs, computer security threats, puts full control in Indian hands and fosters the development of Indian skills in building new technology," the survey said.
 
The world over, the use of free software such as Linux is on the rise, giving intense competition to companies such as Microsoft whose proprietary software, Windows, today dominates the market.
 
The survey said many Government agencies and State Governments have started exploiting free software, particularly in the areas of national security, e-governance, Internet-related applications, research and development and for low-cost computing in schools and colleges.
 
Government agencies are also working towards ensuring that all Indian languages are properly supported in the area of IT, particularly with free software.
 
The survey has noted that software exports from the country have grown at over 50 per cent for the past five years to the current level of over $1 billion. Hardware exports have also grown sharply to reach Rs 5,871 crore in 2001-02.
 
The survey said that conducive Government policies have helped the industry achieve this growth, cutting barriers to imports. For instance, in the previous Budget, the peak rate of customs duty was slashed from 35 per cent to 30 per cent. 
 
The Government has also initiated steps such as setting up Controller of Certifying Authorities to facilitate secure digital signatures, a Centre for Information and Network Security in Pune University and an Indian Computer Emergency Response Team for fostering the growth of the IT sector.