[Fsf-friends] Linux in Kerala Schools and MGP

[Anivar Aravind]

> > 3. Within the government, a massive software deployment is going on,
> >    under the name ``Modernisation of Government Programme'', or
> >    MGP. This is entirely M$ based, and govt. servants are provided a 7
> >    working day training on using such exotic programmes like MS Word,
> >    MS Excel, etc. The training includes how to type Malayalam.
>
> Largely true. But the MGP also has some Free Software running. Arun
> should know more about it.

The MGP's  Programme Perfomance Monitoring System is  One of the major
Free software project for Govt of Kerala. It is a web based PHP/MysQL
application  Developed by Keltron. But sadly they are still using M$
on user end.

As a part recently published study I did for SPACE on "Free software
usge in Public Enterprises", I covered the Details abt this project. I
am quoting the respected part here

<snip>

Project Title: Program Performance monitoring system (PPMS)

Synopsis:

Program Performance monitoring system (PPMS) is a system developed
Keltron (Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation) for
tracking the performance of various departments as part of the
Modernising Governance Program initiated by Government of Kerala.

Program Performance monitoring system (PPMS)
Client : MGP Department, Govt. of Kerala
Developed by: Keltron
Team Size: 5 people
Development Time: 28 months (ongoing)
Technologies :PHP, MySQL, Apache, GNU/Linux
User base:
             PPMS1: 17 Departments, 93 Initiatives
             PPMS2: 2584 Institutions, Statewide
             ebandham: statewide
             Sevanamudra: 42 institutions, statewide

Project Details:

Program Performance Monitoring System (PPMS) is a large project that
addresses all sectors of governance. The system is developed by
Keltron and built with popular PHP/MySQL solution.

PPMS contain 4 major projects. The first project PPMS1 is a
performance monitoring system for 17 government departments. It covers
a total of 93 initiatives of these departments, 50 of them in the
first phase. The system uses result base management methods to measure
performance based on impacts, outputs, outcomes & activities.

PPMS2 is a set of service delivery projects. It addresses performance
monitoring of 2584 institutions statewide like schools and community
health centers. It mainly deals with fund flow management,
administrative payment orders etc.

The Third project is a human resource module named e-bandham. It
monitors attendance, leave, travel allowances etc of program support
executives

The fourth project is Sevanamudra, Quality Improvement Program &
Performance Certification Mechanism for government institutions.

In the first stage, it covers 42 institutions.

"All these projects need statewide implementation. So it is a must
that we avoid softwares that need heavy licensing costs in order to
reduce the expenses. Another issue is cross platform compatibility.
PHP/MySQL are very popular packages meeting all requirements that are
very easy to study and code We also used many PHP packages like FPDF
(free PDF), which allows one to generate reports in PDF formats
without the use of Proprietary Softwares , JPGraph, a Graph creating
library in PHP for generating graphs etc." says Uma, a main developer
of this project.


</snip>


> > How will the community counter this MGP thing?
>
> We should try to influence the government. Since the programme is
> already in an advanced stage, it may not be easy. But we have some hope
> since the present CM supports FS.

The study we did shows 95% of successfull E-gov projects in Kerala are
on Free software. It may be a good lobbying tool to make all
computerisation projects (including user end) to free software.

~ regards

Anivar Aravind
http://movingrepublic.org