The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) has started a major rightsizing initiative based on the recommendations of the rightsizing committee. This exercise aims to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency across various entities under the Ministry.
Ministry Structural Adjustments
The Ministry has abolished 17 positions, with an additional 7 positions categorized as “dying cadres.” These positions will not be replaced when the current incumbents retire in 2026. This move is expected to save approximately Rs. 25 million annually. Furthermore, the officer-to-staff ratio has been adjusted from 1.25 to 1.20, improving the Ministry’s overall efficiency.
Restructuring of National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC)
The National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) will undergo a restructuring process to reduce its size by 50%. This restructuring has been referred to P3A for further decisions, and a consultant has been hired to finalize the rightsizing plan.
Ignite (National Technology Fund) Retained with Review
Ignite, the National Technology Fund, will be retained as an entity. However, its operations will undergo a third-party review to assess its performance and future direction.
Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) Performance Review
A performance review of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) will be conducted. The report is expected to be submitted to the Prime Minister within three months. The review will also examine the overlap in the functions of PSEB and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) and Legislation
The Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) is working on a finalized draft bill to be introduced in the National Assembly after consulting with stakeholders. The goal is to fast-track the legislative process to pass the “Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2024.
Transfer of Virtual University
Virtual University has been transferred to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. This change is part of a broader restructuring of various government entities.
Abolishment of National Information Technology Board (NITB)
The National Information Technology Board (NITB) will be dissolved. This decision is part of the broader rightsizing effort to improve efficiency and reduce redundancy across the Ministry’s operations.
IT Procurement Changes
IT equipment and software procurement will now be managed individually by the respective procuring agencies. This will allow for more focused and effective purchasing decisions.
Summary of Implementation Plan
Here’s a summary of the key proposals and their implementation:
| No. | Entities | Finalized Proposals | Implementation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ministry of IT & Telecom | Officer-to-staff ratio reduced from 1.25 to 1.20, 17 positions abolished, 7 declared as dying cadre | Implemented. Savings of Rs. 25 million annually. |
| 2 | National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) | Restructure to reduce size by 50% | Under implementation. Referred to P3A for consultant engagement. |
| 3 | Ignite (National Technology Fund) | Entity to be retained, third-party review | Review underway. |
| 4 | Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) | Performance review and overlap with TDAP to be assessed | Report to be presented to the Prime Minister in three months. |
| 5 | Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) | Finalized draft bill to be introduced in the National Assembly | Bill introduced in National Assembly for passage. |
| 6 | Virtual University | To be transferred under Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training | Implemented. |
| 7 | National Information Technology Board (NITB) | NITB to be wound up | Implemented. |
This comprehensive rightsizing initiative is aimed at making the Ministry of IT and its affiliated entities more efficient and cost-effective, ensuring better governance and improved service delivery.
