Department of Electronics and Information Technology [DEITY]

The Department of Electronics and Information Technology [DEITY] is an independent ministry in the Central Government of India. Initially known as the Department of Information and Technology, the department was renamed to its current nomenclature in 2012. Interestingly, the DeitY was previously a part of the Ministry of Communications but was later, in 2016, empowered with a separate portfolio, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) website, the vision of the department is "the e-Development of India as the engine for transition into a developed nation and an empowered society."

DEITY Objective

The primary responsibility of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology [DEITY] is the development of unique IT and e-governance modules for the centre. The objectives of this department are -

• e-governance - The provision of durable and credible e-infrastructure for delivering electronic services.
• e-industry - Promotion of IT-ITeS and electronic hardware manufacturing industry.
• e-learning - Provision and development of an informative knowledge network and e-skills.
• e-security - Provision of security to the cyberspace of India.
• Internet Governance - Intensifying the country's role in the Global Platform of Internet Governance.

Major Roles of Department of Electronics and Information Technology [DEITY]

Given the digitization of numerous government initiatives, the DeitY has numerous roles to play on a daily basis in making India digital. Some of the most vital functions of the DeitY are -

• Making and sanctioning new policies concerning the Internet, Information Technology, and Electronics.
• Promoting new IT-enabled services and the importance of the internet.
• Providing assistance to the other central departments regarding E-Commerce, E-Governance, E-Infrastructure, E-Medicine, etc.
• Coming up with newer initiatives to bridge the digital gap in the country.
• Assisting on matters related to cyber laws.
• Initiating developments in the electronics and software industry by setting up knowledge-based enterprises, launching measures to promote IT exports as well as enhancing competitiveness within the industry.

Major Agencies through Which the DeitY Works

DeitY implements all its functions through a network of credible agencies. Some of them are -

• UIDAI
• National Informatics Centre (NIC)
• National Internet Exchange of India
• Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
• Centre for Development of Advanced Computing

Sri Ashwini Vaishnaw is the reigning Minister of the Electronics and Information Technology Department. Apart from the DeitY, he also holds the portfolio of the Department of Railways. Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar is the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology.

FAQs on Department of Electronics and Information Technology [DEITY]

Q.1. What is the full form of DeitY?

The full form of DeitY is the Department of Electronics and Information Technology.

Q.2. Who holds the portfolio of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology [DEITY]?

Sri Ashwini Vaishnaw is the reigning Minister of the Electronics and Information Technology Department. Apart from the DeitY, he also holds the Department of Railways portfolio. Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar is the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology.

Q.3. Name five important agencies of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology [DEITY].

Five important agencies of the DeitY are UIDAI, National Informatics Centre (NIC), National Internet Exchange of India, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing.

Q.4. When did the DeitY become a separate portfolio?

Department of Electronics and Information Technology [DEITY] became a separate portfolio in 2016. Previously it was a part of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.