Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently convened a marathon Council of Ministers meeting, lasting nearly four-and-a-half hours. The extensive discussions, held at Seva Teerth, primarily centered on critical governance reforms, enhancing administrative efficiency, and advancing the government's ambitious 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision.
During the session, PM Modi issued a clear directive to his ministers: treat the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' goal as a firm, actionable commitment rather than merely a campaign slogan. He emphasized the need for concrete progress in improving both the 'Ease of Living' for citizens and the 'Ease of Doing Business' across the nation.
Key Discussions and Directives
The meeting saw detailed presentations from nine secretaries and several ministries, outlining their performance and future roadmaps. The Cabinet Secretary and NITI Aayog also contributed to the briefings. A particular focus was placed on ministries that demonstrated the fastest disposal of files, underscoring the government's push for timely decision-making and overall efficiency.
Discussions also addressed the potential implications of the ongoing West Asia crisis. Ministers were instructed to implement measures to ensure "minimum inconvenience to citizens" as the economic repercussions of regional tensions continue to unfold. Sectors specifically highlighted for attention included energy, agriculture, fertilisers, aviation, shipping, and logistics.
Foreign Policy Briefing and Recognitions
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar provided a comprehensive briefing to the Cabinet on PM Modi's recent five-nation foreign tour. The tour encompassed visits to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, where numerous agreements were signed, and bilateral ties were elevated. The West Asia situation was a recurring theme in diplomatic engagements during this tour, particularly in the UAE.
While Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister J.P. Nadda were absent due to official engagements abroad, an informal high-powered group led by Singh is already monitoring the West Asia crisis. Towards the conclusion of the meeting, PM Modi was also felicitated for the successful completion of his foreign tour and the BJP's decisive victory in the West Bengal elections.