NAC: Business almost as usual, Sonia in loop

In a show of resolve and solidarity with former chairperson Sonia Gandhi, members of the National Advisory Council NAC have decided to continue to meet and deal with issues that were on its agenda before the she quit office. Government sources say the NAC members will continue to meet informally, discuss matters already on the agenda, and post the nodal ministries of the discussions held and the plan of action to be taken by them. A report will also be sent to Sonia.

On top of the agenda for the next NAC meeting, scheduled to be held within a few days, are urgent and important issues that were in various stages of discussion. They include removing discriminating legilsations and enacting new programmes to ensure equal rights to women; special assistance to upgrade and expand infrastructure in the North-East and ensure health for all.

The NAC, which was established by the Congress-led UPA government as an interface with development strategists and organisations with regard to the implementation of the UPA8217;s National Common Minimum Programme NCMP, was in the process of outlining strategies and laws to tackle the above issues when Sonia decided to quit. Sources say it is not the first time the NAC members will meet in the absence of its chairperson. 8216;8216;There have been times in the past when Sonia Gandhi was not present as she was out of town,8217;8217; says an NAC source. 8216;8216;The NAC members have met informally before and acted on the menu set on the agenda even at that time.8217;8217;

The decision to continue informal meetings also comes at a time when Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has reiterated that the NAC is here to stay.