Of these, 249 posts would be within the country, comprising 139 officers and 110 staff. The remaining 269 posts -- 175 officers and 94 staff --would be created in Indian missions abroad, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters.

The new posts are being created despite the fact that the government has downsized several departments in various ministries on the recommendations of the Geethakrishnan committee.

The Cabinet also approved creation of an Additional Secretary level post in the ministry of women and child development to augment the implementation of various policies, schemes and programmes of the ministry.