Cabinet Approves 30% Workforce Reduction at MoST- But Why?

The Federal Cabinet has approved a major restructuring of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) as part of the Phase-II federal rightsizing program. This initiative, guided by the recommendations of the Rightsizing Committee, aims to enhance efficiency, eliminate redundancies, and align the ministry’s functions with the nation’s evolving priorities. The restructuring involves a 30% reduction in the workforce at MoST, the closure of six entities, and the merger of four others out of the 17 institutions under the ministry’s purview.

Additionally, vacant and redundant posts will be abolished, and the staff-to-officer ratio will be adjusted from 5:1 to 2.5:1, ensuring a leaner and more streamlined operation.

Cabinet Approves 30% Workforce Reduction at Science and Technology Ministry

Key Changes to Institutions Under MoST

1. Council for Works and Housing Research (CWHR)

The CWHR will be dissolved, and associated posts will be abolished. However, a small number of critical experts (three to four) will be retained within MoST to preserve essential expertise. An implementation timeline for this process is to be submitted by January 20, 2025.

2. Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST)

Similar to CWHR, the PCST will also face dissolution, retaining only essential personnel to manage indispensable functions.

3. Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technology (PCRET)

The research functions of PCRET will be integrated with academic institutions like NUST or NUTECH. If academia shows no interest, the organization will be closed. Commercial activities will either be privatized or shut down if market interest is absent.

4. National Institute of Electronics (NIE)

NIE will be merged with institutions like NUST, NUTECH, or PCSIR. If integration is not feasible, the institute may face closure. A detailed roadmap is expected by January 31, 2025.

5. Scientific and Technological Development Corporation (STEDEC)

STEDEC, with limited impact over its 40-year history, will also be wound up, and associated posts abolished.

6. Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA)

PSQCA will retain its standard-setting functions while digitalizing operations. Licensing processes will be automated, reducing the workforce by at least 50%.

7. Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC)

PEC will also undergo optimization, reducing its workforce by 20-25% through digitalization and risk-based policies for engineering graduates.

8. Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA)

PHA’s retention will depend on a third-party review assessing its efficiency and relevance.

9. Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR)

PCSIR will undergo a third-party audit to assess efficiency and profitability. A 20-30% reduction in operations is planned.

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Third-Party Audits and Conditional Retention

Entities such as the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Pakistan Scientific and Technological Information Centre (PASTIC), and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) will be subject to third-party audits. Their retention will also depend on their ability to secure non-government funding or interest from academic institutions.

The National Metrology Institute of Pakistan (NMIP) will retain its structure but eliminate vacant posts, while the Cosmetic Authority of Pakistan will be dissolved entirely due to its misalignment with current national goals.

Impact of the Restructuring

• Efficiency and Cost Savings: The restructuring will result in significant cost savings by eliminating redundancies and closing non-essential entities. The revised staff-to-officer ratio will ensure a more efficient allocation of resources and reduce bureaucratic delays.
• Enhanced Focus on National Priorities: By merging and aligning institutions with academia and market needs, the restructuring will redirect resources toward impactful research and development. This aligns MoST’s objectives with broader national goals, such as innovation and technology-driven growth.
• Improved Transparency and Accountability: The use of third-party audits and performance metrics ensures transparency in operations and enhances public trust. Digitalization of processes further minimizes opportunities for inefficiency and corruption.

Challenges for Workforce and Operations

While the plan streamlines operations, the 30% workforce reduction will have implications for employees. The government will need to manage the transition carefully to minimize disruptions.

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