Downsizing plan delayed as ministers protest

Arun Shourie, Minister of State for Administrative Reforms, Planning and Public Grievances, had gone to the Cabinet last month with a detailed proposal on the necessity of downsizing the bureaucracy.

The Cabinet note pointed out that secretary-level posts had gone up in the past and particularly during the Vajpayee Government8217;s two-year tenure 1998-2000. It has risen from 116 to 150. Vajpayee also created 12 posts of the rank of secretary.

Though the posts of additional secretary remained the same during the two-year period, the number of joint secretaries grew from 400 to 444. That8217;s not all. The number of directors in the Central Government went up from 399 in 1997 to 517 on February 1, 2000. The number of deputy secretaries swelled to 440 from 396. During the two-year NDA rule, senior-level posts grew from 1,371 in 1997 to 1,656.

The sanctioned strength of civilian posts in the Government as on March 31, 1998 was 41.93 lakh. The Government had taken a decision on January 1, 1992 that 10 per cent cut would be effected in strength of officers across the board. Accordingly 1.60 lakh posts have been abolished. But more downsizing is required.

The 5th Pay Commission had proposed that 30 per cent of the entire work-force of the Government be cut in the next 10 years 8212; 3 per cent every year. But an agreement was signed by the then United Front Government with the employees8217; unions on stopping the downsizing.

The annual expenditure on the staff of the Central Government is Rs 43,000 crore. A 10-per cent cut alone can reduce the extra tax burden and funds could be diverted for development. The initial proposal was that to let the vacant posts 3.46 lakh be abolished.

However, one minister after another from the allies 8212; from Ram Vilas Paswan to Mamata Banerjee 8212; said the whole issue needed a deeper look in the wake of prevailing political situation and social needs.

It was also pointed out that after a steep hike in prices of the essentials, withdrawal of subsidies and other harsh steps taken in the Budget, some breather is required.

When contacted, Arun Shourie said: 8220;The process of downsizing is unstoppable as people are conscious of the fact more funds are needed for development.8221; However, he would not comment when exactly he would be able to get the 1992 order implemented.

He said he had 8220;great faith8221; in the democratic system. If the privatisation which he advocated in the 8217;70s was the order of the day now, 8220;downsizing also has to take place. It is unstoppable8221;.

But what is causing worry to the Government is the proposal of Communications Minister Ram Vilas Paswan to regularise 3 lakh daily wage part-time workers in the postal department. The Finance Minister is unwilling to accept it and Paswan is insisting that they be confirmed.

But there are many ministers who have come forward to downsize their ministries. Commerce Minister Murasoli Maran has abolished two secretary-level posts. Consumer Affairs and Food Minister Shanta Kumar is willing to surrender one secretary-level post and five others to begin with.