## [Chapter 2] Review of the Outpost Agencies of the Central Government

## ①Basic concept

● Review of role sharing between the central and local governments (to place local governments in charge of public administration that is closely related to the residents)

● Complete elimination of the adverse effects of duplicate public administration

● Simplification and streamlining of public administration through the central and local governments

● Schemes to make public administration more visible to local residents

● Revitalization of local communities; Regional development

## ②Review of administrative work and powers

“Concept of the Classification of the Administrative Work and the Powers of Outpost Agencies of the Central Government,” which was pointed out in the Initial Recommendation and specified in the Interim Report

Classification of the administrative work and the powers of target agencies

- The administrative work and powers from among which abolishment (including privatization and transformation into independent administrative institutions) should be considered

- The administrative work and powers from among which the transfer to local governments should be considered

Review of the administrative work and the powers concerning 116 provisions related to 15 systems of 8 government ministries

## $ ^{3} $ Review of organizations

(1) Review of organizations in response to a review of the administrative work and powers

Review of organizations from the viewpoint of redressing the adverse effects of duplicate public administration

Continuation of existing organizations in cases where there is no adverse effect from duplicate public administration

(2) Schemes for collaboration with other regions and/or to ensure governance

Setting up of consultative organizations between comprehensive outpost agencies and local autonomous entities

Schemes to ensure the adequacy and transparency of public works

## ④Towards realization of the reform of outpost agencies

In line with the recommendations, the government has been requested both to formulate a plan within fiscal 2008, which is designed to show progress in the schedule toward the realization of the reforms, and to construct a system for their promotion.

With respect to separate consultations concerning the transfer of control over roads and rivers between the nation and prefectures, including zones, etc., requested by the prefectures, it has been requested that a prompt conclusion should be reached.

These and future reform measures should aim for a reduction of approximately 35,000 staff in total among the employees of the outpost agencies.

## ⑤The handling of employees and revenue resources should be in response to a review of the administrative work and powers

Handling of the transfer of control over employees, etc.

Local governments need to secure human resources and the necessary revenue resources in response to the transfer of work to local governments.

Transfer of public employees, etc. in response to transfer of the administrative work and powers to local governments

Downsizing of staff in response to the abolishment or reduction in the administrative work and powers and the consolidation of organizations, etc.

Studies on schemes

⇒ to facilitate smooth implementation

Handling of the procurement of revenue resources $ \Rightarrow $ Continuing studies on securing the necessary revenue resources

## Creation of Regional Power

On December 19, 2008, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications formulated and disclosed its “Regional Powers Creation Plan,” which features three main themes: (1) promotion of the self-sustaining settlement zone initiative; (2) promotion of “Coexistence with Nature” through regional collaboration; and (3) support for self-sustainability and the revitalization of disadvantaged regions. The Plan is designed to build vigorous regional communities while cherishing rich natural environments by humbly considering that “human beings are just members of the natural world.” All of these are based on our nation’s history and culture, which have embraced “Coexistence with Nature” as a basic concept since the Jomon Period. The following is an outline of the “Regional Powers Creation Plan.”