Institutional Reforms Committee Issues Recommendations for Rightsizing IT Ministry
-
The Institutional Reforms Committee has released new recommendations aimed at restructuring the Ministry of IT and Telecom.
Key proposals include shutting down the Telecom Foundation and privatizing its subsidiaries. Established in 1991 under The Charitable Endowment Act, 1890, the Telecom Foundation has provided welfare services for employees of PTCL, PTA, NTC, and FAB through its telecom and engineering services.
The committee also recommends a significant restructuring of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), suggesting it evolve into a dynamic learning organization by partnering with private service providers and adopting an outsourced model to enhance efficiency and innovation.
Additionally, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) is advised to increase its revenue to at least Rs. 1 billion and reduce reliance on federal funding, with occasional investments from the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).
The committee supports the continuation of the Universal Service Fund, Virtual University, and Electronic Certification Accreditation Council in their current roles. For Ignite – National Technology Fund, it recommends continuing operations but allowing private sector involvement once market failures are addressed.
The Ministry of IT and Telecom is now preparing an action plan to implement these recommendations.
