Question : DECLINING NUMBER OF STAFF

(a) whether the number of Group III and Group IV employees is declining;

(b) if so, the details thereof, reasons therefor and the reaction of the Government thereto alongwith the reasons therefor;

(c) the extent of preparedness of the Government to handle administration with reduced lower level staff;

(d) whether the decline in their number is adversely affecting the Government work; and

(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (E & FS) (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) to (e): As per the information available, the estimated number of Group-C & D, regular Central Government civilian employees (including UTs) during the last five years is as follows:

Year	Group-C	Group-D
2007-08	21,31,284	8,23,317
2006-07	21,15,048	8,31,188
2005-06	21,11,024	8,33,868
2004-05	20,37,577	8,72,726
2003-04	20,45,291	9,08,213