IT Ministry in restructuring exercise

In its first restructuring exercise since the formation of the Ministry 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 division, special IT projects division, PIU division, power electronics division rural and social applications division. 

The functions of the five abolished 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 remaining Science and Technology divisions into seven groups to synchronize the 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 groups, 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 the administrative control of the Ministry.