The General Education department in Kerala is making a significant shift in its technological strategy, now extending its focus beyond just free software to embrace the potential of open hardware.
During the recent Software Freedom Day celebrations, Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty announced that the same emphasis previously placed on free software would now be applied to open hardware. He articulated a vision where, much like free software championing universal access to knowledge, the manufacturing of hardware should also be democratized and made accessible to everyone.
Highlighting existing efforts, the Minister pointed to the successful distribution of robotics kits in schools, which has already introduced students to cutting-edge technology. He further affirmed the department’s commitment to launching new initiatives and projects specifically within the burgeoning open hardware sector.
Currently, over 29,000 robotics kits have been successfully deployed across various schools. Plans are also well underway to distribute an additional 5,000 kits, further expanding students’ opportunities to engage with and learn about modern technological tools.