Modi to meet council of ministers Monday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet his council of ministers Monday to discuss steps needed for efficient governance and implementation of programmes.

Modi is expected to highlight his thrust areas and seek suggestions from his ministerial colleagues at the meeting, said informed sources.

The discussions held and decisions taken are likely to be reflected in President Pranab Mukherjee's address to the joint sitting of parliament next week.

Doing away with one of the relics of coalition politics, Modi Saturday abolished all 30 ministerial groups to ensure that his colleagues heading various portfolios take faster decisions with more accountability.

There were nine empowered groups of ministers (EGOMs) and 21 groups of ministers (GOMs) in operation. They were to take decisions on various matters -- and several of them on matters seen as tricky -- before coming up before the cabinet for consideration.

Modi has already asked his ministers to set a timetable for the first 100 days in office.

The prime minister is also likely to meet secretaries of the various departments Tuesday.