NEW DELHI, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting of the Council of Ministers and stressed the need for reforms to achieve the goal of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.
The Prime Minister described the meeting as “fruitful” and said ministers exchanged views and best practices to improve ‘Ease of Living’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in the country.
The meeting lasted for more than four hours and was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (Independent Charge) and Ministers of State.
This was the first meeting of the Council of Ministers in 2026.
In a post on X, PM Modi said discussions focused on governance reforms, citizen welfare and strengthening service delivery mechanisms.
Sources said the Prime Minister asked ministers to work with the target of transforming India into a fully developed nation by 2047.
He emphasized that governance should focus on improving public welfare, ensuring better ease of living and delivering government schemes effectively to the people.
PM Modi also stressed that there should be no unnecessary interference in the lives of citizens and directed ministers to ensure timely disposal of government work without pendency.
According to sources, the Prime Minister advised ministers to focus on future goals and achievements instead of dwelling on past accomplishments since 2014.
He further asked ministers to ensure that maximum benefits of welfare schemes reach the common people.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a presentation on PM Modi’s recent visits to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
Nine senior secretaries also presented reports on the performance, reforms and initiatives of their respective ministries and departments.
Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan briefed the ministers on governance reforms and citizen-centric measures, while NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba also addressed the meeting.
The Council of Ministers meeting comes after the BJP’s strong performance in the recent Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam and its return to power in Puducherry.(KNC)
