Dear All,
The Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) has released a draft 'National Policy on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) In School Education' (see http://education.nic.in/secedu/ict.pdf , I have also attached the policy).
While the earlier policy draft did not have even a single mention of FOSS, the current draft states in para 5.3.2 "Free ware, free and open source software applications will be preferred".
Certain other sections which are appreciable are - "4.1.2 The ICT literacy programme will endeavour to provide a broad set of generic skills and conceptual knowledge and not focus on mastering the use of specific software applications."
It will be great if you can send in your feedback to MHRD, appreciating/welcoming the preference accorded to FOSS and also requesting if FOSS can be made mandatory instead of just preferred.
(The FOSSCOMM letter is present here - http://fosscomm.in/LetterForEducationPolicy . If required you can use the text from there in the feedback you send to the ministry. )
The feedback needs to be mailed to : ictpolicy.edu@nic.in The last date for receiving comments is 29 July (today) hence request you to please send in your comments at the earliest.
Please mail me /call me for any queries : vinay@itforchange.net ; 91-98805 95032
Thanks, Vinay.