LAHORE, Feb 2: A committee headed by the additional chief secretary is learnt to have sent for approval a summary to the Punjab governor proposing downsizing of the provincial government.

The proposed measures include a reduction in the number of provincial departments in view of the devolution of several powers to the district level.

Official sources said on Saturday that the number of provincial departments might be reduced from the existing 34 to around 19. Should the plan be approved, they said, the surplus staff would either be sent to the district governments, or given a golden handshake. Those nearing retirement would be retired from service and the remaining sent to a surplus pool.

The committee, formed under a directive from the governor, is said to have given due consideration to the recommendations of a steering committee already working under the local government minister.

The sources said whole wings of various departments have become redundant as a result of the devolution.

They said Health, Education and Revenue Departments might witness significant changes in their set up.

Youth affairs wing of the Information Department is likely to be merged with the Social Welfare Department which might also be given the charge of Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab.

Talking to Dawn, many senior officers expressed reservations about the downsizing plan. Some of them also doubts about its practicality.