Premium
This is an archive article published on March 14, 2018

China to create new ministries, merge regulators in biggest overhaul in years

The State Council’s institutional Reform Plan was submitted to the 13th National People’s Congress for deliberations Tuesday. The number of ministries will be increased from 20 to 26.

Jinping Xi, China, Chgina banking and insurance, China government restructuring plan, National People Congress, world news A Chinese flag hoisted outside a commercial building in China’s Guangdong province.

China on Tuesday ordered creation of six new ministries and merger of banking and insurance regulators as part of a government restructuring plan. It is one of the biggest reshuffles since President Jinping Xi came to power.

The State Council’s institutional Reform Plan was submitted to the 13th National People’s Congress for deliberations Tuesday.

The number of ministries will be increased from 20 to 26. The proposed ministries include that of natural resources, ecological environment, agriculture and rural areas, national health commission mission, veteran affairs, and emergency management. The ministries will absorb or eliminate existing agencies which had been regulating these areas “to provide them more teeth”.

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment will deal with the fight against pollution. The newly-formed Agriculture Ministry will get additional powers to address growing food supply concerns.

China Banking Regulatory Commission and the China Insurance Regulatory Commission will be merged. Rights have been granted to the Central Bank to write rules for the financial sector. The merger is aimed at resolving problems such as unclear responsibilities and cross-regulation.

“The reform, which aims to push forward the institutional restructuring in key areas, will strengthen the government’s functions on economic management, market supervision, social management, public service, and ecological and environmental protection,” the draft plan says.

An International Development Cooperation Agency will be set up to formulate strategic guidelines, plans and policies on foreign aid and overseeing and evaluating their implementation.

Story continues below this ad

National legislators are scheduled to vote on the draft plan on Saturday.

A state immigration administration under the Ministry of Public Security will also be set up. The proposed administration will be responsible for coordinating and formulating immigration policies and their implementation, border control, administering foreigners’ stay and the repatriation of illegal immigrants.

Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports. Expertise  Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas: Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai. Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC). Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai). Trustworthiness & Credibility Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence. Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers). Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports. He tweets @zeeshansahafi ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement