Salient features of CBEC cadre review

The cadre review proposal of CBEC is currently being considered by the committee of secretaries. forr their approval, it is likely to be approved by a group of ministers and finally to be approved by the cabinet. A few days ago F.M assured about early discussion in the cabinet.
Meanwhile let's have a look at the salient features of the cadre review proposal :

Reinforcement of cadre strength by 17442 posts (The existing strength is 66808);

++ Introduction of two new grades – Apex (16 in number) and HAG+ (38 in number) (Initially, the numbers were 23 & 72 respectively);

++ Upgradation of all 47 HAG posts to 54;

++ Setting up of a new Directorate of International Customs (Such a Directorate is the need of the hour to coordinate India's efforts with the WCO, WTO, WIPO and others);

++ Given the volume of litigation, there is a proposal to upgrade the Directorate of Legal Affairs to HAG+ level;

++ 2118 temporary posts (non-cadre) for five years have been proposed to overcome stagnation in Group B Gazetted. This is to clear stagnation;

++ The number of Central Excise Commissionerates is proposed to be enhanced from 93 to 119; for the Customs from 35 to 60 and the Service tax from 7 to 22;

++ 45 new Audit Commissionerates are proposed to be set up, and the number of Customs Commissionerate (Preventive) to be jacked from 34 to 60;

++ The number of LTUs to be increased from 4 to 8;

++ To provide promotional avenues to officers, the Board has proposed additional posts of 5160 Superintendent & 5040 posts of Inspector;

++ There is a proposal to enhance the strength of CAO (Group A) from 155 to 349 and Administrative officer levels by 616 posts from existing 984 to 1600.