The Hindu Business Line : `Cut down number of ministries'

Chennai June 17 The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries has suggested to the Union Government to bring down the number of Central ministries from 53 to 40.

Addressing a press conference here, the Assocham President, Mr Venugopal Dhoot, pointed out that when India attained freedom, there were only 18 ministries. Noting that the costs of running the 53 ministries have risen to over Rs 75,000 crore, he said, "with the enhancement of the number of ministries, strength of babus (government staff), other periphery and supporting staff also went up disproportionately without any visible progress in productivity."

He called for a "collective initiative" for reducing the number of ministries by merging some with others.

Suggestions

Assocham has suggested that one ministry could take care of steel, coal and mines. Tourism and culture could be one department. Women and child development could be merged with sports and youth affairs and panchayati raj with rural development.

Mr Dhoot said that while the Chamber was opposed to mandatory reservation, it had asked its members to examine the scope of providing jobs to communities that come under reservation on voluntary basis.

The Assocham Foundation for Inclusive growth for SC/ST is looking into the issue, he said.

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