PM Modi Chairs First Cabinet Meet Of The Year, Reshuffle Speculation Mounts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on Thursday, with a wide-ranging review of governance, policy execution and future priorities expected, official sources said. The meeting - the first of the Council of Ministers this year - is being seen as politically significant, coming shortly after the BJP’s strong performance in the recent Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, as well as the return of an NDA government in Puducherry. It is also being held amid speculation over a possible Cabinet reshuffle.All Cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge, and ministers of state will attend the meeting, PTI reported.Sources said the agenda will include a detailed assessment of the functioning

of various ministries and departments, review of key policy decisions taken in recent months, and their outcomes on the ground. The focus will also be on future priorities and the effective implementation of government schemes and programmes to ensure wider impact.The meeting is expected to place strong emphasis on reforms across sectors aimed at public welfare. PM Modi had earlier outlined long-term reform goals, saying his government’s “Reform Express” has brought systemic transformation and significantly benefited common citizens.The Prime Minister is also likely to raise the ongoing West Asia crisis and its economic fallout. According to sources, he may instruct ministries to take measures to minimise public inconvenience and cushion the impact on affected sectors.Sectors such as energy, agriculture, fertilisers, aviation, shipping and logistics are expected to receive particular attention during the discussions.Following the outbreak of the West Asia conflict, PM Modi had already directed all concerned authorities to take “every possible step to ameliorate the problems of citizens and sectors affected by it.”He has been convening meetings of the full Council of Ministers periodically to review major governance and policy issues, but this Thursday’s meeting is being closely watched due to its timing and broader political and administrative context.