Super ministries may not be the right answer for mainland China
Li Keqiang has pushed for super ministries but analysts see problems in forcing such bureaucratic giants to deregulate in years to come
It has become a ritual for new Chinese leaders to announce a shake-up of government in the name of streamlining bureaucracy and more importantly, to signal a fresh start.
And it's no exception for Li Keqiang, whose elevation as the mainland's next premier will be approved at the annual session of the National People's Congress, starting tomorrow.
On Friday, the Communist Party's Central Committee endorsed Li's proposal for restructuring the State Council, aiming to "build a service-oriented government … that is clean and efficient, and which satisfies the people".
Details of the proposal are under wraps until discussed and approved by the NPC session, but that's just a formality.
Judging from state media reports, the scale of the latest round of restructuring is smaller than previous ones.
Li has reportedly proposed forming a more powerful ministry to oversee the quality and safety of food and medicine, and expand the scope of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, to shoulder more social responsibilities, and the State Oceanic Administration at a time of maritime disputes with neighbouring countries. The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television is expected to be merged with the General Administration of Press and Publication to form a new agency to regulate the media industry, while the controversial National Population and Family Planning Commission will be absorbed into the Ministry of Health.