Islamabad, Jan 3: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) has embarked on a significant rightsizing initiative to streamline operations and optimize resources. This move is based on recommendations from the rightsizing committee, aiming for substantial cost savings and enhanced efficiency.
Key Measures and Outcomes:
- Ministry of IT & Telecom:
- 17 positions abolished and 7 declared as “dying cadre”, ensuring annual savings of Rs. 25 million.
- Officer-to-staff ratio adjusted from 1.25 to 1.20.
- National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC):
- Undergoing a 50% structural reduction.
- Referred to P3A for consultant engagement and final decision.
- Ignite (National Technology Fund):
- Entity retained but subject to a third-party review for operational evaluation.
- Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB):
- Performance review underway to identify overlaps with TDAP.
- Report to be presented to the Prime Minister within three months.
- Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA):
- Draft of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2024 finalized and introduced in the National Assembly for legislative approval.
- Virtual University:
- Transitioned to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
- National Information Technology Board (NITB):
- Set to be wound up.
- Efficiency Gains: Significant structural adjustments and cost-saving measures.
- Legislative Advancements: Accelerated efforts for digital governance through the PDA’s draft bill.
- Strategic Reviews: Comprehensive assessments to enhance the effectiveness of key IT entities.
This rightsizing exercise reflects MoIT&T’s commitment to fostering innovation, reducing redundancies, and enhancing governance in Pakistan’s IT landscape.
