The UPA government is getting set to silence those who have, till today, criticised the government for bringing in only industry reforms and not thinking about the social sectors at all.
This will happen this evening, in the governments first meeting after the Trinamool Congress withdrew its support from the government, following the announcement of the hike in diesel prices as well as of raising the cap of FDI in multi-brand retail.
Will Manmohan’s worries reduce after UPA-II meet? AFP
The Cabinet meeting is likely to bring in more reforms, however.
First on the cards is a massive overhaul of the Public Distribution System (PDS). UPA-II is set to pump in at least 42000 cr to modernise the PDS to computerise the system, as well as initiate SMS alerts for people dependent on it. The PDS restructuring is also set to bring in a hike in sugar rationing.
To bring in further social sector reforms, the government will also be injecting funds to the Integrated Child Development Scheme to build 7 lakh more anganwadis.
It is also likely to announce a pre-Diwali Dearness Allowance hike for Central Government employees.
Also on the agenda are reforms for the power sector. The debt restructuring of power distribution companies will be discussed.
