Analysts question whether mergers of massive agencies are key to reform
As mainland government ministries prepare for more mergers, analysts question whether such moves alone can correct deep-seated problems
A new round of restructuring of cabinet agencies has been put on the agenda for next month's annual session of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature.
The Politburo on Saturday endorsed draft reform plans to be discussed at the plenum. The changes will be approved by the national legislature when it meets in March for the annual session that will see Li Keqiang, the party's No2 figure, succeed Wen Jiabao as premier.
Xinhua said Politburo members agreed that reform should be carried out in an "active yet prudent, step-by-step manner," suggesting no radical changes.
Professor Wang Yukai from the National School of Administration, who took part in discussions leading to the creation of several "super ministries" five years ago, said the long-awaited consolidation of the massive Ministry of Railways into the Ministry of Transport could take place this year, along with the creation of super Ministry of Culture, which would include the General Administration of Press and Publication and the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.
A merger of the State Administration for Religious Affairs and the State Ethnic Affairs Commission was also possible, Wang said.