BHUBANESWAR: Eminent technocrat and former chairman of National Knowledge Commission Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda popularly known as Sam Pitroda has been appointed technology advisor to the State Government.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced the development through a tweet.
“Delighted to have @sampitroda as Technology Advisor for Odisha. #Vision2036 getting shape...#Odisha100 on the move,” the Chief Minister tweeted. Pitroda, who will enjoy the status of a Cabinet rank minister, will work for the development of IT sector and prepare Vision 2036 document for the State.
“As the State Government is making a vision document for 2036 to celebrate the hundredth year of the State’s formation, the role of IT will be a key factor. Pitroda will help provide essential technological blueprint to write the IT story of Odisha,” a statement from the office of the Chief Minister said.
Born at Titlagarh in Balangir district in 1942, Pitroda is a telecom engineer, inventor, entrepreneur and policymaker. Pitroda launched the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) in 1984 and served as advisor to then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1987 on Technology Missions. He was also the founding chairman of India’s Telecom Commission.