The IT Department is dispatching a letter to each of the MLAs, inviting them to undergo a 10-day computer/Internet training programme beginning from July 1. Similar training for chairpersons and managing directors of the boards and corporations will begin from June 1. Both the training courses will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel.

An officer in the IT Department, however, admitted that only about half a dozen of the total 39 ministers were regular visitors to the computer training centre set up at the Secretariat, while others like Jaspal Singh, Jay Narayan Vyas, Suresh Mehta and Bimal Shah "need not come here as they already know at least the basics of computersand Internet".

In view of the poor response from most ministers, those in-charge of the training programme were forced to put off a `practical examination' in computers, scheduled to be held for the `trainees' on May 20. "Now, we will have to re-schedule the training programme for these ministers along with their newly inducted Cabinet colleagues," the official said.

In a desperate bid to make the ministers computer-friendly, the IT Department plans to create a batch of trainers. "We will soon write to each of the ministers, requesting them to ask their PAs and PSs to undergo computer training, so that they can give computer lessons to their bosses during their spare time either at the offices or official bungalows," the official said.

Among the ministers who have responded to the 15-day computer training programme are Nitin Patel, Fakirbhai Vaghela, Harjivan Patel, Gabhaji Thakore, Babubhai Bokharia, Mangubhai Patel and Mulubhai Bera. Senior ministers like Vajubhai Vala, Ashok Bhatt and Kanjibhai Patelhave visited the training centre only once or twice.

The Government has installed a Pentium computer with colour monitor and inkjet colour printer at each of the ministers' office as well as bungalow. Each of the computer units equipped with Gujarati Indica Software and Microsoft Office 1997 software package programme costs about Rs 50,000.

It has also decided to provide Internet facilities at the residence of each minister. Such facilities are already in place at the official residences of the Chief Minister, Suresh Mehta and Jaspal Singh.

Meanwhile, the officer told The Indian Express here on Tuesday that the MLAs will be imparted training in batches at the conference hall on the ninth floor of Block 8 at the Secretariat, where 25 new Pentium computers will be installed. The chairpersons and managing directors of the boards and corporations will also receive training at the same place.

"The elected representatives from different parts of the State will be called in batches and for a 10-daycrash course in computers. They will be put up at the MLAs hostel," the officer said, adding that the training would help them keep a tab on developmental activities and maintain a live rapport with people in their respective constituencies.