Modi tells ministers to focus on reforms, delivery as government pushes Viksit Bharat goals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told his council of ministers that the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 is not merely a slogan but a commitment that requires a stronger focus on reforms and effective delivery, according to people familiar with the discussions.

The meeting, which lasted for more than four hours, brought together Cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and other ministers of state to review implementation of government programmes ahead of the second anniversary of Modi’s third term on June 9.

The discussions also focused on potential economic and energy challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Officials familiar with the matter said Modi reviewed developments across nine major sectors, including the economy, agriculture, labour and energy.

With concerns growing over disruptions linked to the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz, the Prime Minister reportedly stressed the need to explore alternative fuel sources, including biogas and renewable energy, amid fears of disruptions in oil, gas and other essential supplies.

This was the first meeting of its kind in nearly a year.

Modi is also said to have reiterated his emphasis on reducing bureaucratic delays and improving administrative efficiency. He reportedly directed ministers to ensure that work moved faster and that government processes remained transparent and citizen-focused.

“The PM said files should not keep moving endlessly from one table to another and processes should be simplified,” one person familiar with the discussions said, adding that the Prime Minister also emphasized wider communication of the government’s achievements over the last 12 years and strengthening feedback mechanisms.

The meeting took place amid speculation surrounding a possible cabinet reshuffle and changes within the organisational structure of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Presentations were delivered on sectors including power, agriculture, labour, foreign affairs, infrastructure, trade and commerce, and corporate affairs.

According to people aware of the proceedings, ministers also congratulated Modi on his recent five-nation tour. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reportedly gave a separate presentation on the visit.

Officials said Modi also urged ministers to closely monitor implementation of central schemes, particularly in states where progress has been slower than expected.

“He said it is time to revisit targets and work toward new goals. The government cannot rely solely on past achievements,” a person familiar with the discussions said.

Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan and NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba also made presentations during the meeting.

Throughout the discussions, Modi reportedly emphasized that governance should ultimately aim to improve citizens’ quality of life through greater “ease of living.” He also stressed the need to minimise unnecessary interference in people’s daily lives and encouraged ministers to focus on future goals rather than solely on previous accomplishments.

The meeting comes as the Opposition has intensified criticism of the government over economic conditions, unemployment, agricultural concerns and rising prices.

The government has attributed many economic pressures to global developments linked to the conflict in West Asia. Earlier this month, Modi had appealed to citizens to adopt fiscal discipline by reducing fuel and cooking gas consumption, limiting non-essential spending and cutting back on overseas travel. Government departments have since announced measures such as work-from-home arrangements on select days and reductions in official convoy sizes.