Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a marathon meeting with the Union Council of Ministers on Thursday, stressing that the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” is not just a slogan but a commitment of the government.
The high-level meeting, which reportedly lasted more than four hours, focused on governance reforms, energy security, economic challenges and the implementation of key welfare schemes ahead of the second anniversary of Modi’s third term on June 9.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the Prime Minister directed ministers to ensure faster delivery of government services and eliminate bureaucratic delays.
Energy Security In Focus Amid West Asia Crisis
A major focus of the meeting was India’s energy security as tensions continue in West Asia due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Narendra Modi reportedly highlighted the need to explore alternative fuel sources such as biogas and renewable energy amid disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
The Prime Minister is said to have warned that the deadlock in the region could impact supplies of oil, gas and essential commodities, making energy diversification increasingly important for India.
PM Modi Calls For Faster Governance And Transparency
During the meeting, Modi reportedly instructed ministers to reduce red tape and simplify official procedures.
“The PM said files should not move endlessly from table to table,” a source familiar with the discussions said.
He also asked ministers to sharpen feedback mechanisms, closely monitor the implementation of central schemes and ensure that public service delivery remains efficient and transparent.
The Prime Minister stressed that governance should improve “ease of living” for citizens and avoid unnecessary interference in people’s daily lives.
Key Ministries Reviewed During Meeting
The Council of Ministers reviewed progress across nine major sectors, including:
- Economy
- Agriculture
- Labour
- Power and energy
- Infrastructure
- Trade and commerce
- Foreign affairs
- Corporate affairs
S. Jaishankar also reportedly made a presentation on Modi’s recent five-nation foreign tour.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan and NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba briefed ministers on reforms and people-centric governance initiatives.
Opposition Targets Government Over Economy
The meeting comes at a politically sensitive time, with the Opposition intensifying attacks on the government over unemployment, inflation, fuel prices and economic stress.
The Centre has repeatedly pointed to global instability and the West Asia conflict as major reasons behind economic disruptions and rising costs.
Earlier this month, Modi had urged citizens to adopt fiscal discipline by reducing fuel consumption, limiting non-essential foreign travel and cutting down unnecessary spending.
Several government departments have already introduced austerity measures, including reduced official convoys and work-from-home arrangements on select days.
