'Free software' will change life of poor: Yechuri

Hyderabad, Mar 3: CPI (M) Politbureau Member and MP SitaramYechuri today said 'breaking monopoly on software would have directimpact on poor as they would have access to knowledge and information.'

Speaking at a national convention on free software organised jointly by'Free Software Movement' and University of Hyderabad here, Mr Yechurisaid 'releasing the software from the hands of monopolistic companiesis of direct consequence to daily life of the poor in the country.'Suggesting the Centre and the state governments shift towards usingfree software in e-governance and introduce computer education withfree software to curb software monopoly in future in schools, he saidit was also very important to utilise it for the security of country.

Pointing out that 'globalisation' had created avenues for profitgeneration besides monopolisation of knowledge, the CPI (M) leader said'access to knowledge is important and it is an ultimate quest for humanliberation.' West Bengal IT Minister Debesh Das said the country wouldget strategic, economical and social benefits once the free softwareconcept was adopted. It would pave the way to transform the country andmake it 'self-reliant' in software, he added.

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