As part of the efforts to improve administrative efficiency, the State government has started identifying redundant departments that can be done away with as per Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s wish.
During the recent Collectors’ conference, Mr. Naidu sought a report on the departments that served little purpose with a view to disbanding them.
Following it up, the government entrusted the task of spotting such departments to the A.P. Human Resources Development Institute (APHRDI) at Bapatla in Guntur district.
Speaking to The Hindu , Special Chief Secretary and Chief Commissioner of Land Administration Anil Chandra Punetha said the functioning of various departments and their human resource component should be meticulously studied before recommending any action. This responsibility had been given to APHRDI Director-General D. Chakrapani.
Another thing the government turned its attention to was the Chief Minister’s call for repealing outdated legislations which, he said, caused a lot of problems. He was keen on scrapping such archaic laws. Accordingly, the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, was engaged for suggesting the laws the government could abolish by following the due processes. Both the reports are likely to be submitted in a month, paving the way for the administrative overhaul.
There are laws that date back to the 1860s. While some of them are relevant, the others can be declared as void. For instance, a few people might have heard about the Treasure Trove Act, 1878. It is needed to ensure the hidden treasurers are given to the government’s custody unless their rightful ownership is proved by the claimants.
There may be many such old laws in the purview of various departments, whose utility will be taken stock of in the coming months.
