Secretaries seek merging of two ministries

A panel of secretaries has recommended the government to merge the ministries of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) and Urban Development to improve implementation of central schemes.
The group of secretaries on urban development, health and sanitation has also suggested that pharmaceuticals and AYUSH Ministries be brought under the health ministry, a source said.
"The mergers envisage improve planning and implementation of government schemes. Housing is an integral component of urban planning and development.
"Similarly, Smart Cities scheme, which is under Urban Development Ministry, also seeks to provide quality houses and so on. It would be higher efficiency if both the ministries are merged," he added.

He said a concept note would be prepared which would delve into financial implications and would also consider the new names that could be given to the merged ministries.
Urban Development and HUPA Ministries were one entity before being separated into two independent ministries in 2004.