This technical note seeks to explore the structure, functions and content of the personnel department in Indian industries. Two sources of data are analyzed: 1) Data provided under Section 217(2A) in the annual financial report was analyzed in order to examine the parity of the personnel function visavis other functions. 2) The source of data was a questionnaire circulated to corporations where typical structures and content were provided. The current state of the function in terms of activities and organization of the department is analyzed.