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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Union government’s council of ministers on Thursday, with discussions expected on the functioning of ministries, recent policy decisions, their outcomes and future plans, official sources said.The meeting, the first of the council of ministers this year, assumes political significance as it comes after the BJP’s strong performance in the recent Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, besides the formation of an NDA government in Puducherry again. It is also taking place amid speculation of a cabinet reshuffle.All cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and ministers of state will attend the meeting, reported PTI.According to sources, the functioning of various ministries and departments, key decisions taken in the recent past and their impact will be reviewed. Discussions are also expected on future priorities and the implementation of government schemes and programmes to ensure maximum success.The meeting is likely to focus on reforms across sectors aimed at benefiting common people. PM Modi had earlier outlined reform priorities for the next 10 years, asserting that his government’s “Reform Express” has delivered systemic transformation and benefitted common citizens in a significant way. The prime minister is also expected to raise the ongoing West Asia crisis and its economic implications. Sources said he may direct ministries and departments to take steps to minimise inconvenience to citizens and reduce the impact on affected sectors.Sectors such as energy, agriculture, fertilisers, aviation, shipping and logistics are likely to receive focused attention during the meeting.Soon after the West Asia conflict began, PM Modi had directed all concerned to take every possible step to ameliorate the problems of citizens and sectors affected by it.PM Modi has been holding meetings of the entire council of ministers from time to time to discuss key policy and governance issues, but Thursday’s meeting is being closely watched due to its political timing and broader governance agenda.
