PM expands ‘Reform, Perform, Transform’ mantra, asks Ministers to ‘Inform’ too

Stressing on the need for better communication, Modi is learnt to have told the Union ministers and the top officials to not only focus on inter-ministerial communication, but also on informing the people. He asked the officials to inform the people about the government’s good work, it is learnt.

Citing the example of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana that completed 10 years on August 28, the PM asked the ministers and officials to celebrate achievements of similar initiatives taken during the previous two terms of the NDA government. It is learnt that the meeting began at 6 pm at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan and went on till 10:30 pm.

During his 40-minute speech, the PM touched upon many issues, including capacity building of the officials, 100-day agenda, Aspirational District Programme, Aspiration Block Programme, and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

At the outset of the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, in his welcome and introductory remarks, spoke about the work undertaken during the first 85 days of the government. Thereafter, three secretaries made presentations on different subjects. The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, made a presentation on implementation of the Budget announcements.

The Secretary, Road Transport and Highways, made a presentation on the 5-year Action Plan on the infrastructure sector.

The Secretary, School Education and Literacy, made a presentation on the 5-year action plan on the social sector.

Indicating that changed political equations would not affect the pace of development achieved over the last decade, the PM is reported to have told the Council of Ministers that he is not relying on them alone to sustain this progress. His statement was a reference to the recent Lok Sabha results in which NDA coalition partners have emerged stronger and have a greater presence in the Council of Ministers.

He is learnt to have also told the bureaucracy that it should not shy away from initiating structural reforms in their respective ministries if that is what was needed for better delivery of government schemes and initiatives.

The meeting is significant as the Council of Ministers has several new faces. Similarly, several new Secretaries have also joined since the formation of the new government in June, this year.