China unveils plans to fight corruption, boost economy

Beijing: China on Sunday revamped its bloated government structure by reducing the cabinet-level entities, including the corruption-ridden Railways Ministry, to cut down red tape and boost economy as a new government headed by Xi Jinping is set to take over.

Several other departments and agencies will also be reorganised, according to the the new policy unveiled by State Councilor Ma Kai during the session of its legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC).

Under the new plan, the number of Ministries will be reduced from 27 to 25.

The changes, which aim to cut down on red tape and reduce administrative intervention in the market and social issues, were made coinciding with once-in-a-decade leadership change in the country as a new government headed by Xi, 59, prepares to take charge from President Hu Jintao next week.