The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, addressed the first meeting of the entire Union Council of Ministers here today. He complimented his colleagues for restoring "normal, rule-based" functioning of the Government and for delivering on many of the promises made in the Common Minimum Programme. He urged them to keep the people informed about the work being done by their Ministries.

The Prime Minister emphasised the fact that the UPA government is a coalition government with support of several political parties and that all Ministers should keep all allies informed about policies being implemented and "carry the coalition along". He emphasised the need to "engage in a dialogue with State Governments to ensure effective implementation of programmes and policies."

Dr. Manmohan Singh listed out the priority areas of the Government as agriculture, irrigation and drinking water, health, education, employment, urban renewal and infrastructure development.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of "reform of government" and asked each of his colleagues to address administrative reform issues pertaining to their respective Ministries so as to simplify procedures and ensure a "citizen friendly and service oriented and caring government".

Dr. Singh emphasised the critical importance of sound financial management and urged his colleagues to "ensure that only realistic, sound and justifiable proposals are put up for expenditure. It is not fair to expect the Finance Minister alone to act as the arbiter of expenditure while all other Ministers try to enlarge their share of the budget pie."

The Prime Minister urged his ministerial colleagues to interact regularly and creatively with their officers. "They are our instruments for delivering results, hence, they need to be given their due place", he said. He also said, "institutions need to be respected and strengthened". He stated that "there is a need to associate the best and the brightest from within and outside government to enhance governance".