Punjab IT Policy-Pakistan’s First ever IT policy-PITB

Punjab IT Policy, Pakistan’s First ever IT policy by PITB. So Punjab IT Policy is the result of continuous efforts and delegation by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). This step is a big initiative which helps Pakistan to enhance the IT industry and compete for other countries in the field of IT.

First of all, You must know about  PITB?

PITB stands for Punjab Information Technology Board. It is an autonomous body, set by Punjab Government which provides the base for Punjab’s innovation economy. So It aims to modernize the governance techniques and increasing the digital literacy of citizens.  So PITB is committed to providing IT services and infrastructure to the government, local and international business.

Why was it necessary to Introduce Punjab IT Policy?

After National IT Policy 2000, due to the new ideas in IT industry, many changes incurred during the 16 years. That’s why, it becomes necessary to revisit the new IT Policy, specially designed for Pakistan’s IT industry to lead. According to Global Competitiveness index 2015, so Pakistan falls behind many countries, consequently in terms of absorption of IT and IT enables services. But from the last few years, IT companies in Pakistan has grown fastly.

Punjab IT Policy- Key Pillars

Therefore, PITB makes Punjab IT Policy which is the set of 5 pillars, focusing on Punjab as the industrial hub of the country. So Punjab IT Policy is passed by the Provincial Cabinet on 31 Thursday 2018.

Five pillars according to Landmark policy are;

1. Support the IT industry
2. Bridge the Digital Divide
3. E-Governance
4. Citizen-centric services
5. Entrepreneurship

Punjab IT Policy-1st Pillar– Support the IT industry

It aims to offer vast and unobstructed support to the IT industry of Punjab. So some important features of the 1^st pillar of IT policy are:

1. Establishing business-friendly policies
2. Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
3. Developing software technology parks
4. Promoting e-commerce
5. User-friendly taxation policy
6. The introduction of IT in the non-IT sector
7. Bringing Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) industry to Pakistan

Punjab IT Policy-2nd Pillar– Bridge the Digital Divide

Pakistan struggles far behind when it comes to Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Therefore the second pillar aims to fill such gaps while facilitating the common man. So Punjab IT Board (PITB) will be offering following services

1. Free wifi hotspots in major cities,
2. e-libraries for lifelong learning,
3. e-learning initiatives in the province,
4. Strengthening cybersecurity,
5. e-Rozgaar scheme,
6. Overcoming online harassment.

In addition, to facilitate the citizens of Punjab, steps like the Data Protection Act, Right to Information Act and Right of Policy taken.

Punjab IT Policy-3rd Pillar– e-Governance

The core of e-Governance policy is to use ICT for the smooth functioning of the government while ensuring clarity and eliminating corrupt practices too. So major departments will be modified, especially

1. Health,
2. Police,
3. Traffic,
4. The judiciary,
5. Education,
6. Procurement
7. land records and agriculture.

The development projects are monitored through the use of ICT as well.

Punjab IT Policy-4th Pillar- Citizen-centric services

Since before, citizens were never the focal point of a policy. But now  PITB aims to provide hassle-free service delivery to the citizens by introducing

1. e-Khidmat centers,
2. e-Payment services,
3. Citizen Contact Centers, and
4. Citizen Feedback Monitoring Program.

Punjab IT Policy-5th Pillar- Entrepreneurship

The entrepreneurial culture is booming throughout the world. Therefore, PITB aims to foster a start-up ecosystem in Punjab focusing on finding and promoting potential successful businesses.  Furthermore, PITB has already launched Plan9 and PlanX which serve as technology incubators for the entrepreneurs. So while the Tech Hub Connect is a co-working space for the aspiring entrepreneurs and freelancers. In addition, e-Rozgaar centers and Venture Capital Fund focused on supporting the freelancers and entrepreneurs too. And promoting them to turn to entrepreneurship.

Ending Note

In the end, to ensure cybersecurity and financial progress, Punjab IT Policy is a great initiative. So now, PITB’s have to works on these plans properly. Hence, IT policy helps Information Technology industry to grow more fastly. Therefore, unemployment removed.