Dr. Sam Pitroda exposed through RTI

Amidst huge propaganda and media hype, Dr. Sam Pitroda was appointed as Technology Advisor with Cabinet Minister status in January 2016. The State Government left no stone unturned taking credit by appointing Dr. Pitroda, a man of international repute, as Technology Advisor. It  generated  much enthusiasm  and expectation   among  different  section of the people believing  that   his expertise  and long  experience  in the field of communication and IT  will give a lot of benefit to the state.   Out of curiosity  to know  about  his performance  and  contribution  in the field of IT  for the state  since last eight months, one Pradip Pradhan has filed two RTI Application to the Department of  Electronics and Information Technology seeking information about   details of appointment, Terms of Reference with Dr. Pitroda  and   any report/ advice  given by him to State Government etc. The details of information provided by the PIO on 19.8.2016 and  26.9.16  is as follows:

1. The Justification given by the State Government in respect of Dr. Pitroda’s appointment as Technology Advisor is that In view of his domain expertise and long association  in the field  of communication and IT, the State Govt.  took  this decision  as it  will be beneficial  for the state  (  reference-  copy of file noting).

2. Terms of Reference signed with Dr. Pitroda are as follows:
3. He has been appointed for three years and will be extended subsequently.
4. He will advise the Government for formulation of the strategies and policies to be adopted for development of IT/IES/ESDM sector in the state.
5. He will review the progress achieved in development of IT sector in the state.
6. Resource on advocacy to attract national and foreign investment shall be considered by Government of Odisha.
7. No salary, insurance and remuneration  shall be paid  to Sri Pitroda  during his period of  service
8. The expenses  towards  travel and  accommodation  for his visit  to Odisha  from New Delhi  shall be borne  by Government of Odisha
9. On query  about  any  report  or document produced  by Dr. Pitroda,  the PIO  has  provided  just a copy of power point presentation ( 15 slide) about  his proposed programme  which was  made  in January  at the time of his appointment.  Within last 8 months, Dr. Pitroda has not provided any report to the State Govt. about his intervention or work assigned as per TOR.
10. Dr. Pitroda has not visited Odisha since his joining as Technology Advisor.  That’s why he has not produced his travel Bill for reimbursement.

Comments

1. Dr. Pitroda might be satisfied with cabinet minister status and getting benefit using   this status without contributing anything for our beloved state within 8 months.
2. It will be advisable   on part of State Government to fix remuneration and price for him against the work assigned to him as per the TOR. So that accountability will be fixed and the State Government can monitor his performance.
3. If this practice continues, it will no way give any benefit to the IT sector of the state.

Pradip Pradhan

Mob: 9937843482