You have recently completed the restructuring of the ministry's organisation structure. What was the prime objective behind this exercise?
The exercise was taken up with a view to take care of the overlapping of activities between departments and enabling the ministry to function as more cohesive organisation with clear priorities and objective. I found that the departments were working in isolation without using the synergy of each other and it was very essential to bring them closer. A proposal was made and circulated for the purpose for inputs before finalising the new structure.

What impact will it make on the functioning of the ministry and its departments?
Clear focus, higher co-ordination and well defined responsibilities will certainly increase the pace of work in the organisation. It will help us in faster execution and implementation of projects such as IT for Masses which are of national interest and have larger implications.

Do you plan to extend this kind of re-organisation efforts to other IT autonomous outfits under the ministry? Yes. We have initiated the similar process to re-organise all the autonomous societies under the ministry. A high level committee has been set up by the ministry to look into the activities of these societies and suggest the necessary action plan to make them more effective.

We are working on an idea to create an umbrella organisation to take care of these societies. However, nothing has been finalised yet as the recommendation of the committee is awaited.

What are your plans for public sector IT companies like CMC ?
There are only three public sector organisation under the ministry : CMC, Semiconductors Complex and Electronics Trade & Technology Development Corportaion (ET&T). The ministry has already recommended for disinvestment in CMC. In case of ET&T, a decision has already been taken to close down the company. Now, it is only Semiconductors Complex which is left and we are open to privatisation of this company also.

The minister has invited the IT advisory panel for discussion on 15th January. What is the agenda of the meeting? The meeting is called to consult the industry about the future directions we should take in the IT sector.

The minister has already announced that the year 2001 will be the year of hardware and I believe that hardware related issues are going to be a major area of discussions in the meeting.

What will be the role of IT ministry in promotion of hardware sector in the country? We are constantly in touch with the finance ministry and its officials at all levels to convey the concerns and recommendations of hardware sector. So far, we have received a favourable response from them towards our representations and hope the necessary measures will be taken in the next budget.

It is believed that the IT industry is looking forward for a national IT policy from the Government. Do you have any plans to come out with an IT policy in near future? There are three issues which can be addressed in an IT policy : Industry Development, Application of IT and Research & Development in IT sector. As far as industry is concerned, we are not holding back anything with us so there is no need of any policy. In case of applications, the plans are already in place for IT for Masses and e-Governance. In fact, the policy is already in place but may be, it is not known as IT policy.

What is the progress on implementation of IT Act 2000 and when will the digital signature certification authorities will be a reality?
The controller is already on the job and discussing with industry and Government organisation to roll out digital signatures in the country. I can say that he is quite close to his target of making it a reality.