The government is preparing to scrap more than 7,500 positions from the bureaucracy. Most of the positions have remained vacant for years and doing away with these permanently would cut administrative costs. The steps would be in line with the recommendation of a commission formed two years ago for administrative reforms in the civil service. The positions to be cancelled would mostly be the lower level non-gazetted positions like drivers and peons.

Government sources said that since keeping these positions vacant had no effect on performance, it was proof that they are irrelevant and could be cancelled. The cabinet has already endorsed the decision. A study showed it will save the government Rs 10.6 million in salaries, pensions and other welfare facilities. A government employee is entitled to monthly salary, medical facilities and a provident fund. Government data shows that presently the bureaucracy has 106,000 positions, out of which only 86,000 are filled.