IT Ministry in restructuring exercise

NEW DELHI: In its first restructuring exercise since its formation in October

1999, the Ministry of Information Technology (MIT) has closed down five

divisions. In an order that was passed during the first week of January, the

closed divisions include computer software development, special IT projects, the

PIU, power electronics and rural and social applications. The functions of these

five divisions would be merged with others. Two other divisions, HRD and

industry policy cell, will be renamed as "IT manpower development and

training" and "Electronics and IT policy division". The revamping

exercise is aimed at streamlining the overlapping activities and enabling the

ministry to function as a cohesive organization with clear objectives.

The ministry has also reorganized the Science and Technology division into

seven groups to synchronize their workings in line with the changing

requirements in the fast growing IT sector. The seven groups include industrial

growth (both IT hardware and software group), industrial growth (electronics

equipment) group, technology forecasting and policy coordination group,

education research and training group, international co-operation and export

promotion group, and planning and co-ordination group.

A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) under the chairmanship of IT Secretary

Vinay Kholi has been set up to formulate recommendations on policy issues and

fund management relating to all S&T groups. To maintain the autonomy of the

Group, each group would continue to have a separate budget and coordinators

would have powers to administer their funds. The ministry has also set up a

high-level committee for restructuring the existing autonomous societies under

its administrative control.