Indian government brainstorms creating an infrastructure ministry

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Indian government is understood to have discussed possible mergers and consolidation of ministries and departments as per sources. Consolidation of ministries has turned up in the Viksit Bharat discussions and while there is no firm proposal yet, some thought has gone into it sources said.

One of the objectives of such a discussion could be to expedite inter-ministerial approvals and expand on ease of doing business with more synergy between ministries tasked with common outcomes at a macro level.

For instance, one such thought is to create a dedicated infrastructure ministry, by bringing key ministries like Railways, Roads & Highways and Shipping & Ports under one roof.

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Sources indicate there is tremendous linkage between the three and for improved coordination and outcomes the government may not be averse to exploring such a move.

Railways and roadways are the largest capex spenders with a combined capex budget of over ₹5 lakh crore, comprising around 48% of the government’s annual capex target. Sources also indicate the Railway Board would continue to function as is.

There could be more ministries and departments where mergers could be explored not just to reduce turnaround time and overlaps, but also to become leaner where needed. The central government today comprises 53 ministries with roughly 70 departments.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow