Province to get Rs 1.5 billion for telecom and Information Technology (IT)
ISLAMABAD- The government decided to allocate funds to cater to the information technology-related requirements of the four provinces of the country.
Though the possibility of spending and amount of Rs 1.5 billion over a three year period was discussed in the meeting of Information Technology (IT) and Telecom Division presided by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman but the final decision on the exact amount would be taken soon.
It was also decided that decisions to launch the projects in the provinces would be taken in close coordination and consultation with the provinces. The provinces will invite the proposals and a system will be evolved to hold regular meetings with the provincial IT representatives to discuss the exact requirements so that the projects launched cater to their demands and requirements.
The meeting was held to take decisions on some very important issues like preparing guidelines for partnership with private sector and define priority areas in IT and telecom which may have maximum impact on the country’s economy.
“The emphasis should particularly be placed on projects having maximum potential for jobs creation and poverty alleviation,” said Dr. Atta.
Addressing the meeting, the minister said this year the government had allocated a substantial amount for the promotion of IT and telecom sector and now the ministry needed to evolve an overall vision for launching suitable projects so that funds allocated were judiciously spent.
It has been decided that a meeting of IT advisory board will be called immediately to get their inputs about IT and telecom requirements of the country. The minister also gave instructions to get feedback from various overseas IT advisory boards on email.
The minister also found formed a committee under the NTC chairman to decide about some mega projects in IT and telecom sector. The recommendations of IT advisory board and those of sub-committee will be presented to the minister within a week.
Source: Dawn
Date:8/25/2001
” 
” 
” 
” 
