NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had started a crackdown against non-performing autonomous organisations in April, following recommendations by top secretaries. But it seems the process to assess their performance and restructure them is losing steam. The Centre had prepared a list of 146 institutions which could be considered for closure or merger and the list, with the approval of the Prime Minister’s Office, was sent to the administrative ministries and central departments concerned. However, a latest missive by the government suggests several ministries are yet to carry out comprehensive assessment.
The letter dated August 31, 2016, with the Express said the matter has to be accorded ‘Top Priority’. On August 24, the ministries and departments were directed to take appropriate action, including restructuring or closure. The Centre had in February announced its intention to close and restructure as many as 685 autonomous bodies after a panel of secretaries recommended massive revamp, citing irrelevance and overlapping of function.
According to sources, institutions like the Cotton Corporation of India Ltd, Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India Ltd and Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation are likely to be restructured. The government is also examining the role and performance of 18 autonomous bodies that fall within the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, including Central Tool Room & Training Centre, Central Tool Room, Central Institute of Tool Design, and Tool Room and Training Centre. “A comprehensive assessment of the bodies may be carried out as per framework and a report will be forwarded to this ministry on priority,” the letter said.