Governance, Reforms on Agenda as PM Modi Chairs 2-Day Cabinet ‘Chintan Baithak’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a two-day ‘Chintan Baithak’ of Union Cabinet ministers in New Delhi on September 23 and 24, with discussions expected to focus on governance and reforms, sources said.

The meeting will be attended by all Union Cabinet ministers, while it is not immediately known whether ministers of state will also participate, the sources aware of the matter said.All Cabinet ministers have been asked to remain in the national capital next week to prepare for and attend the session.

Some ministers are likely to make presentations on policies and measures undertaken by their respective ministries to advance reforms in various sectors. The presentations may focus on ways to make the policymaking process more effective and impactful, according to sources.

The discussions are expected to cover the progress of government schemes and their implementation. Ministers may also discuss issues related to public service delivery and measures aimed at addressing people’s problems and ensuring ease of living.

The meeting is also likely to take up inter-ministerial coordination, with discussions on how different ministries can work together on programmes and policy implementation.

Time management is another issue expected to figure in the deliberations. The session may also examine the roadmap ahead for reforms and policy implementation.

The Prime Minister has emphasised reforms in governance and has told his Cabinet colleagues in the past that addressing people’s problems and ensuring ease of living should be the prime objectives of the government.

These issues are expected to form part of the discussions during the two-day ‘Chintan Baithak’, the sources said.

The session comes as the government continues to review schemes and policies across ministries. The presentations by ministers are expected to provide an account of measures undertaken by their departments and progress of reforms across sectors.

The discussions may also cover policy implementation, public service delivery, inter-ministerial coordination and future priorities.

However, a detailed ministry-wise agenda for the September 23 and 24 meeting has not been announced so far. It is also not immediately clear whether any specific decisions will be taken during the session.

The Cabinet ministers have been asked to stay in Delhi next week in view of the meeting.