I was also able to involve in the drafting of this policy document. I am happy to see that may of the loop holes
in the original policy have been fixed. Let us hope
that policy will be implemented soon.

This policy may not have a smooth sail. This time community
may have to start a campaign supporting government in taking a good step.

regards
arun.

The government has released a draft version of a Policy on Open standards
for e-Governance. It is presently open for Public review.

Please find the policy at the link below-
http://egovstandards.gov.in/Policy_Open_Std_review

The policy seems to have some really good points like-
5.1) Mandatory Characteristics:
5.1.1)Selected Standard should be Royalty Free for life time of the standard.
5.1.2)Selected Standard should be developed in a collaborative and consensus
manner and not led by a single agency or a small closed group of interested
parties
5.1.3)Selected Standard should be recursively open; They shall not use
unpublished extensions

However we really do need to look at it with greater detail and discuss
the same.

I have also attached the policy with this email.