Call for Change in Government Software Policy

A new report has urged the Indian government to shift decisively toward open-source software (OSS) for its digital infrastructure and governance platforms. The report, compiled by technology experts and public policy analysts, argues that OSS offers greater transparency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness compared to proprietary alternatives.

Reducing Cost and Vendor Lock-in

The report highlights how the government’s dependence on commercial software often leads to high licensing fees and long-term vendor lock-in, restricting innovation and customization. Adopting open-source tools, it says, can drastically cut costs while offering the freedom to adapt solutions to local needs without restrictive contracts.

Transparency and National Security

Transparency is another key benefit emphasized in the report. Unlike proprietary software, whose code is inaccessible and controlled by foreign vendors, OSS allows inspection, auditability, and improvements by the community. This fosters trust in government digital platforms and strengthens national cybersecurity by removing opaque backdoors or vulnerabilities.

Alignment with Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat

The call aligns with the objectives of the Digital India initiative and the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision. By using open-source technologies, the government can promote indigenous IT innovation and empower local developers, especially startups and SMEs, to participate in the country’s digital transformation.

Policy Recommendations and Roadmap

The report recommends clear policy mandates, capacity-building initiatives, and investment in OSS ecosystems. It suggests creating centralized repositories of vetted open-source solutions and incentivizing departments to adopt them. Additionally, it advocates for government-backed developer communities and academic collaborations to sustain long-term innovation.

Looking Ahead

As countries worldwide increasingly embrace open-source software for critical systems, the report urges India to seize this opportunity to modernize its governance framework. With the right policies and commitment, open source could become a cornerstone of India’s digital public infrastructure.