ExecCom Transacts August 2011
1. ExecCom approval for formation of 8 new Chapters : The ExecCom in its meeting at Bangalore during 23-24 July approved the formation of 8 new chapters proposed by respective Regional Vice Presidents and recommended by the Hon. Secretary and Chairman of the Membership Committee. The proposed chapters are at Region 1 (Jammu), Region 3 (Sagar and Satna), Region 5 (Mangalore, Hubli and Tirupati), Region 7 (Sivakasi and Karur).
2. Membership Development : For the first time in last several decades, we witnessed a significant increase in the individual membership by over 19% (April-July 2011). The institutional membership recorded a growth of 25% in academic and 21% in non-academic categories respectively during the period. Detailed membership statistics can be viewed on http://www.csi-india.org/web/csi/membership-statistics.
3. The CSI National and Chapters Elections- 2012-13/2012-14: The National Nominations Committee by headed Prof. AK Nayak has geared up to conclude the election process by 15th December 2011 as stipulated in the CSI constitution and bye-laws. The Chapters elections will be conducted along with the national elections using electronic voting process. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. S.C. Bhatia 52 out 69 chapters could complete election process resulting into the formation of chapter management committees for the year 2011-12 while the other chapters are being guided by the respective RVPs to form the ad hoc management committees for the year 2011-12.
4. Identification of over 40 Potential New Chapters: The CSI Membership Committee headed by Prof. H.R. Vishwakarma with the help of Chapters Revamping Committee Convener Dr. SC Bhatia has identified over 40 potential new chapters in different regions including the unrepresented states and union territories. The members and stakeholders across India are requested to extend their fullest support and cooperation towards realizing the aforesaid goal. Any specific suggestions may please be communicated to hq@csi-india.org with cc to secretary@csi-india.org.
5. CSI National/Regional/State Student Conventions: The team of CSI Regional and State Student Coordinators headed by Mr. Ranga Rajagopal, National Student Coordinator has been striving to prepare an aggressive and highly forward looking action plan for hosting student conventions across India. Any specific suggestions may please be communicated to Mr. Ranga Rajagopal nsc@csi-india.org with cc to director.edu@csi-india.org and secretary@csi-india.org.
6. CSI Annual Resource Guide: There are several suggestions to bring out an Annual Resource Guide along with the CSI Annual Report for the benefit of members and stakeholders. Chapters, Student Branches and Members at large are requested to submit best technical papers presented in various CSI events, power-point slides/reference materials of seminars, workshops and tutorials, Research outcomes, Case studies involving development/deployment of ICT in socially relevant sectors and especially catering to the needs of unrepresented geographical areas and segments of society, including how far CSI Programmes could help promote growth of ICT. The submissions may also include surveys to assess the reach and effectiveness of CSI programmes including membership development. The innovative and path-breaking initiative taken by members and stakeholders would be especially appreciated. The proposals may please sent to csi.research@csi-india.org with cc hq@csi-india.org.
7. The History of Computing in India and Role of CSI: The professional societies such as CSI follow a paradigm of Innovate-Associate-Resonate-Communicate cycle for serving the members and larger interests of inclusive growth. As we approach the Golden Jubilee of CSI, members across nation are requested to share the achievements and contributions of CSI and its chapters, student branches and members at large.
8. Strategies for Chapter Sustainable Development: The CSI membership committee members have shared a serious concern about the chapters’ sustainable development. There are instances when even the chapters at major cities could not be sustained. As such, it is essential to adapt strategies such as Mentoring of New Chapters by past ExecCom members and senior members over there, Seeking government/industry support for revival of defunct chapters, Provisioning of budgetary support for C category chapters, Conducting Region-wise Orientation programmes for New Office Bearers of the Chapters, focused outreach programmes to bring Business, Industry, Government, Academia, Research and Consultancy sectors into CSI’s fold, Sharing of Resources (including infrastructure, human resources and learning experiences) among CSI chapters and between CSI and its partners.
9. Proposal of CSI Digital Library: Several members have suggested to strengthen CSI Publications and to launch Digital Library. Apart from concerted efforts towards enhancing productivity, quality and reach of CSI periodicals, there is also strong need to publish proceedings of CSI events. Prof. Mini Ulanat, CSI National Skill Development Convener has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing an action plan for Digital Library.
10. Recognition/Appreciation for OC/PC Chairs: There are suggestions to recognize the efforts of members across India who have contributed significantly in organizing national/international events of CSI. There is a proposal to honour such members-contributors during the CSI Annual Convention. CSI chapters, student branches and members at large may send their invaluable inputs and suggestions to secretary@csi-india.org and vp@csi-india.org on or before 15th October 2011.
11. Proposal for CSI National Resource Centres: As India’s largest national ICT professional society, the CSI has been striving to provide strategic and technological leadership to a wide spectrum spanning business, industry, government, academia, research and consultancy. With view to consolidate achievements and enhance its value-added services to various stakeholders, there are suggestions from the members across India to work towards realizing 6 CSI national Resource Centres at Mumbai (Business), New Delhi (Industry), Hyderabad (Govt.), Chennai (Academia), Kolkata (Research) and Bangalore (Consultancy). These proposed National Resource Centres could mentor the projected membership base of over 100 chapters, 1000 student branches, 10000 institutional members and 100000 members. Suggestions and inputs for these may please sent to the secretary@csi-india.org and hq@csi-india.org on or before 15th October 2011.
Prof. H R Vishwakarma
Hon. Secretary, Computer Society of India
secretary@csi-india.org