The committee on the day had summoned Minister of Science and Technology Kalpana Dhamala and Secretary at MoST Tana Gautam, seeking clarification on the decision.[break]
Speaking at the meeting, Dhamala said the decision was taken as most works carried out by the commission was overlapping with IT committee under the ministry.
"The commission failed to show any progress in eight years since its establishment," she said. She further said that there was no need to panic as the step was taken after considering proper alternatives to replace HLCIT.
MoST Secretary Tana Gautam said the ministry was preparing to form IT Advisory Council, which will be headed by Prime Minister, that would help the IT sector. He said, "We are planning to create more positions for IT professionals at high level under MoST that will help us retain IT professionals."
Lawmakers criticized MoST decision taken without due consultations with stakeholders including the Development Committee. Lawmaker Krishna Prasad Sapkota said dissolving such a powerful commission will be a major setback for the IT sector.
MoST had sent a proposal to the cabinet asking to dissolve the commission.
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