1956, on 30 December 1976 by amalgamating 3 organisations of the Government of India viz. India International Trade Fair Organisation, Directorate of Exhibitions & Commercial Publicity and Indian Council of Trade Fairs & Exhibitions and commenced operations with effect from 1 March 1977. ITPO, during its existence of more than 3 decades has played a proactive role in catalysing trade, investment and technology transfer processes. Its promotional tools include organising of fairs and exhibitions in India and abroad, Buyer-Seller Meets, Contact Promotion Programmes, Product Promotion Programmes, Promotion through Overseas Department Stores, Market Surveys and Information Dissemination. Some of the structures in Pragati Maidan were designed by the best Architects of their times, like the following: Hall-6 (Hall of Nations), Hall 2-5 (Hall of Industries) and Nehru Pavilion were designed by iconic architect Raj Rewal along with architect Kuldip Singh in 1971–1972. They were demolished in 2017 to give way for Redevelopment of Pragati Maidan. Later on, Hall-14 (Hall of States) was designed by architect Raj Rewal in 1981–1982. This was also demolished in 2017 to give way for Redevelopment of Pragati Maidan. National Science Centre was designed by architect Achyut Kanvinde. Craft Museum was designed by architect Charles Correa. Hall-7 was designed by architect Rajinder Kumar. Hall-18 (Hall of Technology) was designed by eminent architectural firm Stein, Doshi & Bhalla Consultants. This was demolished in 2018 to give way for Redevelopment of Pragati Maidan. Phoolwari Convention Centre was designed by architect Jasbir Sachdev. This was demolished in 2017 to give way for Redevelopment of Pragati Maidan. Shakuntalam Theatre was designed by architect Ranjit Sabikhi. This was demolished in 2017 to give way for Redevelopment of Pragati Maidan. Erstwhile Hindustan Lever Pavilion (1961) was designed by architect Charles Correa. Erstwhile DCM pavilion (1972) was designed by architect Jasbir Sawhney. Erstwhile Ford Pavilion (1996) was designed by architect Sanjay Wadhwa. Sphere of Activities ITPO has been managing the Pragati Maidan exhibition complex in New Delhi, which is spread over an area of 123.5 acres and has established it as a renowned destination for holding exhibitions, conventions, seminars, business meets and other trade promotion activities. The existing infrastructure of Pragati Maidan includes more than 16 exhibitions halls of about 65,000 sq.m. out of which 40,000 sq.m. is air-conditioned space. It also consists of additional open space of 32,000 sq.m., a modern air conditioned food plaza with seating capacity for 500 plus persons, open