The discretionary powers of Union ministers that are set to go

GoM on corruption has found ministers of 38 depts enjoy wide range of discretionary powers.

Union ministers are likely to lose most of their discretionary powers with the GoM on corruption set to recommend that they be repealed. The GoM is expected to meet next week.

The Department of Personnel and Training had established that ministers in 38 departments enjoy a wide range of discretionary powers.

The discretionary powers set to be withdrawn:

External Affairs Minister: Granting F category passport (diplomatic passport to ex-MPs and ex-ministers),allocation of a portion of Haj quota.

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Minority Affairs Minister: Nominating members to the Central Wakf Council.

Railways Minister: Granting concession on requests for attaching additional coaches to trains,awarding complimentary passes,membership of passenger amenities committee,services committee.

Urban Development Minister: Out-of-turn allotment of official residence.

HRD Minister: Financial assistance to fund research education.

Tourism Minister: Nomination to board of IITTM,general body of NCHMCT and membership of National Tourism Advisory Committee.

Social Justice Minister: Financial assistance for development of SC/ST students (Rs 10,000) and

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physically handicapped students (Rs 2,000). Agriculture and Cooperation Minister: Appointing government nominees in cooperatives like NAFED,NFLC and National Cooperative Development Corporation; non-official members of Coconut Development Board,National Horticulture Board.

Fertiliser Minister: Appointment of two representatives in Fertiliser Advisory Forum.

Coal Minister: Appointment of non-official member in National Coal Consumer Council and Coking Coal Limited.

Telecom Minister: Appointing telephone advisory committee members,giving out-of-turn telephone connections,out-of-turn decision to release stamps.

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Food and Civil Supplies Minister: Appointing members of National Meat and Poultry Processing Board,Indian Grape Processing Board,Sugar Industry Development Board; membership of Central Consumer Protection Council and State Consumer Protection Councils; extending time limit for states for delivery of rice,wheat and other PDS items.

The discretionary powers set to be retained:

Prime Minister: Discretionary fund for heart and other life threatening operations.

Defence Minister: Financial assistance from the Raksha Mantris discretionary fund for war widows on Independence Day.

Home Minister: Relief for victims of Maoist violence; reward for exemplary service during terrorist operation,encounters etc.

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Petroleum Minister: Petrol pump dealership to families of martyrs like the Kargil martyrs.

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Union Ministers

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