China’s third major government restructuring mapped out (Mar 12)

A reshuffle plan featuring "super ministries" - the third major government restructuring in a decade - was unveiled on Mar 11 and presented to lawmakers for debate.

Merging overlapping functions, the plan envisages the establishment of super ministries handling human resources, construction, transportation, industry and environment protection.

The super ministries include:

Ministry of Industry and Information

Takes over NDRC's functions of industry and trade management; functions of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (except nuclear power management); and functions of the Ministry of Information Industry and the State Council Informatization Office

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security

(with a new State Bureau of Civil Servants under its jurisdiction)

Takes over functions of Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Labor and Social Security as well as the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs

Ministry of Environmental Protection

Takes over functions of State Environmental Protection Administration

Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Construction

Takes over most functions of Ministry of Construction

Ministry of Transport

(with a State Bureau of Civil Aviation under its jurisdiction)

Takes over functions of Ministry of Communications; General Administration of Civil Aviation; and Ministry of Construction's functions on urban public transportation management

For more reading: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008npc/2008-03/11/content_6527028.htm