Karnataka has no IT secretary

Karnataka may be the top exporter of software services, but its IT department has no independent minister to address the sector.

To add to the woes, the incumbent IT secretary has opted for a central posting and the government is yet to announce a replacement.

This development has come barely a month ahead of the state's premier event for the IT sector "� the BangaloreIT.in, a four-day extravaganza to showcase Karnataka's IT prowess. The organisation of the event may face hurdles if the post of the IT secretary remains vacant for long.

Incumbent IT secretary Anup K Pujari had opted for a central posting and the government has fulfilled his request. On Monday, the government announced the exit of Pujari from the IT secretary's post. He will don the role of the joint secretary, department of economic affairs.

According to sources, the state government is keen on appointing an "able person" to the post.

"The IT portfolio is held by the chief minister. He wants a person, who is passionate about the subject. The government will appoint a secretary much ahead of the BangaloreIT.in," the sources stated.