The single article of the bill, whose general outlines had been passed during the previous sessions at the Parliament, was approved at today’s session with 137 votes in favor, 21 against and one in abstention.
If finalized, Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization will transform into a ministry, but without any expansion of its departments or human resources.
Under provision I of the bill, all facilities, properties and human resources already in possession of the Organization will be handed over to the new ministry. Provision II outlines the responsibilities and tasks of the ministry in accordance with the responsibilities of the cultural heritage organization. The government is required to present any changes in duties of the new ministry to the Parliament within a year.
Provision III stresses that any increase in the number of human resources, facilities and financial dealings at the new ministry will be forbidden during the implementation of the sixth development plan.
Lawmakers in favor of the bill believed that the formation of a ministry of cultural heritage would revitalize the Organization and hold it accountable before the Parliament. Lawmakers against the bill said the formation of a new ministry was not a priority and was against the objectives of the fifth and sixth development plans that call for a reduction in the number of ministries.
Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization was founded in 1985, administered and funded by the government. The current head of organization is Ali Asghar Monesan, appointed by President Rouhani on 13 August 2017.
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