IT firms push for IPR, multiple standards for e-gov projects

With an eye on lucrative multi-billion dollar deal, information technology (IT) honchos and industry bodies are busy trying to persuade the IT ministry to relax its draft policy for e-governance projects.

The multiple standards lobby, which includes top IT firms such as Infosys and premier trade bodies like Nasscom and Manufacturers’ Association of Information Technology (MAIT), have been able to convince the government to some extent. Now, the new draft policy allows for multiple standards within the application level and single standard only at the interface level. The government is also discussing the issue of royalty-free standards as members of the apex committee for e-governance standards have raised concerns over the issue.

A chief technology officer at one of the world’s largest software firms was in New Delhi last week to meet IT department officials.

“There are a couple of points in the policy that I think needs further debate — one is single standard versus multiple standard and the role of intellectual property rights (IPR). We are seeing the new draft a little bit relaxed,” the official said.

In the minutes of a meeting last month on e-governance standards, Nasscom said, “With regard to royalty free/RAND, the government should recognise the time and cost put into the innovation and incentivise the industry.” The body said the government should allow multiple standards at any instance.

IT secretary R Chandrasekhar felt that complete interoperability may be achieved through single standard as that would not lead to any data loss. However, he has asked Nasscom and MAIT to suggest “any possibility of ensuring interoperability through multiple standards”. 

“If the government asks that we don’t want any IPR for the standards we will use, you will get very few standards that will be applicable and the whole process would be very tedious,” said an official from an IT firm lobbying for multiple standards.

Vinnie Mehta, executive director, MAIT, said, “We suggested multiple standards for e-governance projects as that will be beneficial in the long run. On royalty issue, we are discussing with our members on what is best for the industry. We will get back to the government on the issue.”