PM to secys: Set 100-day agenda for ‘ease of living’

He conveyed to the officials that water, fisheries and animal husbandry will also be important areas for the government

Seeking to underline the significance of a target-oriented approach to policy decisions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told top government officials that each department would have to achieve a five-year plan and also come up with an impactful decision, for which the necessary clearances must be taken within 100 days. The Prime Minister said people are yearning for a better life and the government must focus on ensuring “ease of living”.

He conveyed to officials that water, fisheries and animal husbandry will be important areas for the government.

In an interaction with the secretaries of all Union ministries, Mr Modi said that sectoral groups of officials, which had been formed in his first term, would have to ensure that a five-year plan document was prepared for each ministry, which would have well-defined targets and milestones. Each department will also decide on one significant decision, for which approvals must be taken within 100 days, sources said. This was the PM’s first interaction with the secretaries of all ministries after assuming office for a second term on May 30.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman and Jitendra Singh were also present.

Several secretaries shared their vision and ideas on subjects like administrative decisionmaking, agriculture, rural development and panchayati raj, IT initiatives, education reforms, healthcare, industrial policy, economic growth and skill development, official sources said.

Speaking of the demographic dividend, the PM said it was essential that

demographics be utilised efficiently. Every department of the Central government, and every district of each state, had a role to play in making India a $5 trillion economy, he added. Mr Modi added India’s progress in the “Ease of Doing Business” should reflect in greater facilitation for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The PM said all departments must seek to leverage the upcoming milestone of 75 years of Independence, which could inspire people to make a contribution for the betterment of the country. He urged everyone to hit the ground running, to fulfil the aspirations of the people, official sources said.