New Delhi, May 20 :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a crucial meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on Thursday, where the performance of various ministries, major policy decisions, future roadmaps and implementation of flagship schemes are expected to come under review.
According to official sources, the meeting will be attended by Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State with Independent Charge and other Ministers of State. It will be the first meeting of the Council of Ministers this year and comes amid speculation over a possible Cabinet reshuffle at the Centre.
Sources said presentations by different ministries and departments are likely during the meeting, focusing on key decisions taken in recent months, their impact, achievements and future action plans.
The meeting is also expected to deliberate on improving the implementation of central welfare schemes and governance programmes to ensure maximum benefit reaches the public.
Prime Minister Modi is likely to discuss the ongoing West Asia crisis and its possible economic implications on India. Ministries dealing with energy, agriculture, fertilisers, aviation, shipping and logistics may be asked to remain alert to minimise inconvenience to citizens and maintain supply chains.
Officials said the government’s reform agenda and policy priorities for the coming years may also be reviewed during the high-level deliberations. The Prime Minister has repeatedly stressed the need for structural reforms and efficient governance aimed at benefiting common people.
The meeting assumes political significance as it comes shortly after the BJP’s strong performance in the recent Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, besides the NDA retaining power in Puducherry.
Prime Minister Modi has been holding periodic meetings with the Council of Ministers to review governance and policy matters, but Thursday’s gathering is being viewed as particularly important in the current political and economic backdrop.(KNC)