26. MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 26.1 The (MICT) has as mission to provide the right environment for the harnessing of Information and Communication Technologies to generate employment, increase national wealth, improve quality of life and create new opportunities for sustainable socio-economic development of Mauritius. It envisions to make Mauritius a Cyber Island and the ICT leader in the Region. 26.2 The priority objectives of the Ministry are, among others, to: improve competitiveness and growth of the ICT sector of the economy; transform Mauritius into a knowledge-based economy and an all inclusive society through ICT; modernise government services to citizens and businesses through e-government initiatives; and deliver timely and cost effective ICT operational services to all Government departments. 26.3 A Permanent Secretary who is also the Responsible Officer is at the apex of the MICT. The following department/division/unit operate under the aegis of the Ministry: the Central Information Systems Division (CISD); the Central Informatics Bureau (CIB); the IT Security Unit (ITSU), as well as the National Computer Board (NCB), a parastatal body and the State Informatics Limited (SIL), a government-owned company. 26.4 Created in 1971, the CISD, formerly the Data Processing Division is mainly concerned with the operational aspects of ICT projects. Its vision is to achieve excellence in the provision of State-of-the-Art ICT Support Services to the Civil Service. A few of its services include the maintenance of the Government Payroll System; development and maintenance of government websites; database, system and network administration; commissioning of computer equipment; administration of the Government Email Services; and provision of central back up service for data in Ministries and Departments. 26.5 The CISD consists of two main sections namely the Operations Section, comprising the Computer Support Officer and Data Entry Officer cadres and the Technical Section comprising officers of the Systems Analyst cadre. A Manager is in charge of the Division and is supported by a Deputy Manager and a Technical Manager. 26.6 Set up in 1989, the CIB aims at making government services available roundthe-clock to better serve the citizens in the digital age. It assists Ministries and Departments to improve effectiveness and efficiency of Government services through the innovative use of Information and Communication Technologies; uses ICT as an enabler for reviewing processes and streamlining procedures within the Civil Service; promotes rationalisation and sharing of information across the Civil Service through ICT; empowers officers with skills to enable them embrace ICT as an effective tool for supporting their ~375~ Pay Review 2013
day-to-day work and propagating the ICT culture within the Civil Service. It is headed by a Director, who is assisted by a Deputy Director and supported by Project Managers. 26.7 Established in 2004, the ITSU acts as the key contact point for IT Security in Government. Its main objectives include, implementing Government policies with regard to IT security; assisting Ministries/Departments in the implementation of security standards; disseminating information on IT Security; and carrying out security audits. The structure of the ITSU comprises the grades of Head, IT Security Unit and Project Manager, IT Security. 26.8 In the context of this review exercise, the MICT has proposed the creation of an ICT Directorate in view of consolidating IT Services and providing a single, integrated entity responsive to the needs of all IT users and stakeholders. Since under the present set up, the CIB, CISD and ITSU are operating separately, the Ministry considers that for greater synergy, there is an urgent need to review the whole structure. 26.9 Unfortunately, no consensus was reached between Management and the unions on the redesigning of the organisational structure. Nevertheless, to enable the Ministry to coordinate the operations of the three departments for a cohesive and seamless service, we are providing for a high level position of Chief Technical Officer, ICT. 26.10 Further, we are making provision for officers of the MICT to be posted in every Ministry/Department/Organisation to lead e-government projects and initiatives in the specific sector. We are also providing for Data Entry Officers and Senior Data Entry Officers of the CISD the possibility to join the grade of Computer Support Officer. Chief Technical Officer, ICT (New Grade) Recommendation 1 26.11 We recommend the creation of a grade of Chief Technical Officer, ICT. Appointment, thereto, should be made by selection from among serving officers of the MICT possessing: (i) (ii) a Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or Information Systems or Information Technology or any degree with Computer Science or Computer Engineering or Information Systems or Information Technology as a major component; a Master s degree in the field of Information Technology or Telecommunication or Business Administration; and (iii) at least 10 years experience at senior management/technical level in the public sector. Pay Review 2013 ~376~
26.12 Incumbent would be responsible, among others, for: the formulation and implementation of policies and strategies in the ICT Sector; advising on the appropriate legal frameworks relating to ICT and its optimal use across all sectors; ensuring the implementation of the appropriate recommendations of the National ICT Strategic Plan; ensuring the functional alignment of the technical divisions of the Ministry; monitoring progress in the implementation of e-government projects and advising on corrective measures needed, if any; the continuous review of operational procedures to ensure effective service delivery in the ICT Sector; and ensuring the establishment of IT Security standards and implementation of best IT Security practices and the dissemination of knowledge on information security. Head, ICT 26.13 Government has repeatedly announced the use of IT to deliver its programmes, services and information. ICT has become a key enabler for improving access and service performance. The Government is setting targets to computerizing its services. Any ICT development should be driven by the operational needs of the relevant ministry. There is, however, the need for the MICT to provide the required strategic support for the development/improvement of the in-house systems. To this end, the MICT has submitted that there is urgent need to review the arrangement to lead IT projects in Ministries/Departments with a view to boosting E-Government in the Civil Service. 26.14 Further, it has been observed that wherever dedicated IT professionals have been posted, Ministries/Departments have moved faster in adopting ICT, delivering on-line services, providing update information, among others. Against this background, we are making provision for IT professionals from the MICT to be posted in every Ministry/Department/Organisation and the latter be designated as Head, ICT. Incumbent would act as a catalyst in boosting e-government projects and initiatives in the sector concerned. Recommendation 2 26.15 We recommend that an IT professional from the MICT be designated to the position of Head, ICT in every Ministry/Department/Organisation to lead IT projects. Appointment, thereto, should be based on the qualifications, experience and competencies of the officers. 26.16 The Head, ICT should be assigned the following duties: to assist Management in leading and coordinating ICT projects; participate in the elaboration of the organisation s e-business plan and its subsequent implementation; liaise with stakeholders for an effective implementation of the projects; chair committees/meetings related to the setting up and implementation of the projects; arrange for the training of staff in using the new system and work out the training programmes/updates; submit a report to Management at regular intervals on the status of ICT usage and feedback ~377~ Pay Review 2013
on the new system put in place; and ensure that the Ministry/Department/Organisation has a website of its own and regularly update same. 26.17 We further recommend that the Head, ICT should be paid a monthly allowance equivalent to the difference between the substantive salary of the officer and the initial salary of the grade of Project Manager, CIB or three increments worth at the incremental point reached in the substantive post (to be read from the master salary scale) whichever is higher, provided the total emoluments of the officer is not less than the initial salary and not more than the maximum salary of the grade of Project Manager, CIB. Senior Data Entry Officer Data Entry Officer 26.18 At present, the Data Entry Officer cadre of the Operations Section of the CISD comprises the grades of Data Entry Officer, Senior Data Entry Officer, Data Entry Supervisor and Data Entry Controller. 26.19 Management has submitted that with the continuous and evolving pace of new technologies, coupled with demands for fast and timely delivery of services, there is need to review the structure of the Operations Section as the present one no longer meets the new requirements of the Division. The Bureau has been further apprised that data entry duties are being phased out owing to a substantial reduction in bulk data entry exercises. Moreover, there has been an increase in requests for rapid interventions and support-oriented tasks. 26.20 In this context, Management has embarked on a reskilling programme for officers of the Data Entry Officer cadre in view of optimising the use of existing resources. These officers have been given the option to follow short courses in IT and/or to be provided training in support duties. Management has further apprised that the officers concerned have successfully followed the training course and are satisfactorily performing support duties in different Ministries/Departments. Those who have not opted for the reskilling programme continue to perform data entry tasks. 26.21 Against this background and in line with the Ministry s submissions, we are providing opportunities to Data Entry Officers and Senior Data Entry Officers who have successfully followed the training/reskilling programmes, to join the grade of Computer Support Officer, hence allowing for greater mobility, flexibility and polyvalence in the Division. We are further making the grade of Data Entry Officer evanescent. Pay Review 2013 ~378~
Recommendation 3 26.22 We recommend that Data Entry Officers and Senior Data Entry Officers who: (i) (ii) have successfully completed the training/reskilling programmes mounted by Management; and are satisfactorily performing support duties should be given the option to join the grade of Computer Support Officer. 26.23 We additionally recommend that the grade of Data Entry Officer be made evanescent. Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst formerly Assistant Systems Analyst 26.24 The Bureau considers that the grade of Assistant Systems Analyst should be restyled Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst in view of better reflecting the level of responsibilities shouldered and duties performed. Recommendation 4 26.25 We recommend that the grade of Assistant Systems Analyst be restyled Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst. 26.26 At present, appointment to the grade of Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst formerly Assistant Systems Analyst is from two streams: by selection from among officers not below the grade of Senior Data Entry Officer who reckon at least three years service in a substantive capacity in the grade and who have successfully completed the professional training, both practical and theoretical in systems analysis, database design and software maintenance; and from candidates possessing a post Higher School Certificate Diploma in Computer Science or an equivalent qualification. 26.27 In the last Report, we recommended that the present mode of recruitment to the grade of Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst formerly Assistant Systems Analyst be maintained up to year 2012 so as to enable those officers of the CISD who have successfully followed the in-house training course to be considered for the post. 26.28 In the context of this Report, it has been submitted from various quarters that since July 2008, there has been no recruitment exercise for Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst formerly Assistant Systems Analyst, despite the fact that officers have been sponsored and ~379~ Pay Review 2013
completed the training course. Request has, therefore, been made to maintain the present mode of recruitment beyond year 2012. 26.29 We have examined the submission and consider that serving officers of the CISD who have successfully followed the in-house professional training, both practical and theoretical in systems analysis, data base design and software maintenance should continue to be given the opportunity to join the grade of Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst formerly Assistant Systems Analyst and also allow other officers possessing the required qualifications to join the grade. This would allow the organisation to retain in-service experienced and qualified officers. We are, therefore, reviewing the existing scheme of service of the grade of Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst formerly Assistant Systems Analyst. Recommendation 5 26.30 We recommend that, in future, appointment to the grade of Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst formerly Assistant Systems Analyst should be made by selection from among: (i) (ii) officers not below the grade of Senior Data Entry Officer reckoning at least three years service in a substantive capacity in the grade; and officers of the Computer Support Officer cadre reckoning at least three years service in a substantive capacity in the cadre, who either have successfully completed the professional training both practical and theoretical in systems analysis, database design and software maintenance or possess a Diploma in Computer Science or an equivalent qualification. In the absence of qualified serving officers of the CISD, appointment should be made by selection from among candidates possessing a post HSC Diploma in Computer Science or an equivalent qualification. 26.31 At present, Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst formerly Assistant Systems Analyst who possess a Degree in Computer Science and have reached their top salary are allowed to move incrementally provided they satisfy a few criteria. We are maintaining this provision. Recommendation 6 26.32 We recommend that Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analysts formerly Assistant Systems Analysts who possess a Degree in Computer Science or an equivalent qualification and who have reached the top of their salary scale, should be allowed to move incrementally in the master salary scale up to salary point Rs 47100, provided they have: Pay Review 2013 ~380~
(i) (ii) drawn the top salary for a year; and been consistently efficient and effective in their performance as evidenced by their Performance Appraisal Report during the preceding two years and have not been adversely reported upon on ground of conduct. Roster System of Work 26.33 Officers in the grades of Computer Support Officer, Senior Computer Support Officer, and Computer Operations Controller are required to work on a roster (day) basis and this element has been taken into account in determining the salary of the grades. MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SALARY SCHEDULE Salary Code Salary Scale and Grade 02 00 94 Rs 114000 Permanent Secretary 04 00 92 Rs 108000 Chief Technical Officer, ICT (New Grade) 04 74 82 Rs 59400 x 1800 68400 x 2400 75600 Head, IT Security Unit 04 61 75 Rs 39600 x 1500 57600 x 1800 61200 Project Manager, IT Security 22 25 42 Rs 13700 x 300 14300 x 350 16050 x 450 18300 x 600 19500 x 750 21750 Senior Receptionist/Telephone Operator 22 10 39 Rs 9750 x 250 12500 x 300 14300 x 350 16050 x 450 18300 x 600 19500 Receptionist/Telephone Operator 24 11 36 Rs 10000 x 250 12500 x 300 14300 x 350 16050 x 450 17850 Driver ~381~ Pay Review 2013
Salary Code Salary Scale and Grade CENTRAL INFORMATICS BUREAU 04 00 90 Rs 102000 Director, CIB 04 00 86 Rs 87000 Deputy Director, CIB 04 61 75 Rs 39600 x 1500 57600 x 1800 61200 Project Manager, CIB 05 33 53 Rs 16500 x 450 18300 x 600 19500 x 750 28500 x 900 30300 Documentalist 24 11 36 Rs 10000 x 250 12500 x 300 14300 x 350 16050 x 450 17850 Driver 04 00 88 Rs 93000 Manager CENTRAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS DIVISION 04 74 82 Rs 59400 x 1800 68400 x 2400 75600 Deputy Manager 04 64 77 Rs 44100 x 1500 57600 x 1800 64800 Technical Manager 04 58 71 Rs 35400 x 1200 36600 x 1500 54600 Senior Systems Analyst 04 44 67 Rs 23250 x 750 28500 x 900 33000 x 1200 36600 x 1500 48600 Systems Analyst Pay Review 2013 ~382~
Salary Code Salary Scale and Grade 04 36 64 Rs 17850 x 450 18300 x 600 19500 x 750 28500 x 900 33000 x 1200 36600 x 1500 44100 Assistant Systems Analyst/Senior Assistant Systems Analyst formerly Assistant Systems Analyst 04 55 64 Rs 32100 x 900 33000 x 1200 36600 x 1500 44100 Operations Manager 04 48 61 Rs 26250 x 750 28500 x 900 33000 x 1200 36600 x 1500 39600 Assistant Operations Manager 04 43 56 Rs 22500 x 750 28500 x 900 33000 Data Entry Controller 04 43 57 Rs 22500 x 750 28500 x 900 33000 x 1200 34200 Computer Operations Controller (Roster) 04 33 54 Rs 16500 x 450 18300 x 600 19500 x 750 28500 x 900 31200 Senior Computer Support Officer (Roster) 04 19 49 Rs 12000 x 250 12500 x 300 14300 x 350 16050 x 450 18300 x 600 19500 x 750 27000 Computer Support Officer (Roster) 04 33 53 Rs 16500 x 450 18300 x 600 19500 x 750 28500 x 900 30300 Data Entry Supervisor 04 27 48 Rs 14300 x 350 16050 x 450 18300 x 600 19500 x 750 26250 Senior Data Entry Officer 04 16 45 Rs 11250 x 250 12500 x 300 14300 x 350 16050 x 450 18300 x 600 19500 x 750 24000 Data Entry Officer (Personal) ~383~ Pay Review 2013
Salary Code Salary Scale and Grade 24 11 36 Rs 10000 x 250 12500 x 300 14300 x 350 16050 x 450 17850 Driver 24 00 22 Rs 7400 x 200 7600 x 225 8500 x 250 12500 x 300 12800 General Worker (Personal to employees in post as at 30.06.08) 24 00 16 Rs 7400 x 200 7600 x 225 8500 x 250 11250 General Worker ********** Pay Review 2013 ~384~