New Delhi, May 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told his council of ministers to set their goal on 2047 so that by then with various reform initiatives people’s lives become more comfortable.

At the meeting of the council of ministers, the prime minister said that maximum stress should be given on the next generation reforms so that all round development could be achieved by the country by 2047 when the India will celebrate the 100 years of Independence.

During the meeting, sources said Modi gave broad outline of the reform initiatives through which the country becomes developed by 2047.

He repeatedly told the ministers that their aim and objective should always be in bringing comfort to the people’s lives and there should be “ease of living” for people.

Modi also said that there should not be any interference in the people’s lives in any way, the sources said.

The prime minister told the ministers to take all possible steps so that people get maximum benefits from the government welfare programmes.

He said this is the time to look forward, not dwell on what has been done in the past.

Modi noted that while the government has been in power since 2014, the focus in 2026 must be on future goals and achievements. He advised ministers to remain focused on governance and delivery, the sources said.

The prime minister stressed that there should be no pendency in government work.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave a presentation on the just concluded foreign visit of Modi during which the prime minister visited five countries — ”the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.

A total of nine secretaries gave presentations on the initiatives and performance of their respective ministries and departments. A few of them gave presentation on the worked done in the last two years of the Modi government’s third term.

Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan also gave a presentation on overall government reform initiatives and other people centric measures.

Niti Aayog member Rajiv Gauba also gave a presentation. The meeting was attended by all cabinet ministers, ministers of state (independent charge), and ministers of state.

This was the first meeting of the council of ministers held this year.

The prime minister had earlier outlined his government’s reform priorities for the next decade, asserting that his government’s “Reform Express” has delivered systemic transformation and benefitted common citizens in a significant way.

The council of ministers meeting comes after the BJP’s massive success in the recently held assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, besides forming an NDA government in Puducherry again.

The prime minister has been holding meetings of the entire council of ministers from time to time to discuss key policy and governance issues.

New Delhi, May 21: On the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2026, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, reiterates its commitment towards promoting accessible and inclusive financial services for all citizens, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). DFS has issued Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for the Banking and Financial Services Sector which prescribed standards for equitable access of financial services by the PwDs through physical modes, digital platforms or phygital mode. 
DFS emphasizes that accessibility is not merely a compliance requirement, but an essential component of customer experience, digital inclusion, and equitable financial participation. By way of policy support and periodic trainings on the subject, Financial Institutions are encouraged to strengthen accessibility awareness to ensure accessibility integrated into every stage of service delivery and digital transformation. On this occasion, DFS appeals to all banks, financial institutions, and stakeholders to work collectively towards building a barrier-free and inclusive financial ecosystem where no customer is left behind.

New Delhi, May 21: The Ministry of Education, Government of India, launched the School Management Committee (SMC) Guidelines 2026 on 6th May 2026 with the objective of strengthening community participation in school education. The Guidelines have been formulated to promote decentralized and participatory school governance and seek to improve the overall functioning of schools by creating a more supportive, inclusive and effective learning environment, keeping the best interests of children at the centre. The intent is also to create community ownership of schools by bringing all stakeholders together on a concurrent platform.

The Ministry of Education has received representations and concerns from certain sections of society regarding the applicability of the Guidelines over differently managed schools in context of Section 21 of the RTE Act, 2009. In view of the concerns raised and after due consideration, the Ministry, through a communication dated 20th May 2026 addressed to all States and Union Territories, clarified that the schools mentioned in Section 2(n)(iv) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 would not be covered by these Guidelines provided they have not received any kind of aid or grants from the appropriate Government or local authority to meet their expenses.

The Ministry further emphasized that such schools are, however, encouraged to constitute School Management Committees to promote greater transparency, accountability and participatory governance. Education is a shared responsibility of the Government, schools, parents and the community, and strengthening collaboration among all stakeholders remains essential for improving school functioning and ensuring better learning outcomes for children.

New Delhi, May 21: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has published proposed amendments related to the criminalisation of doping activities in the public domain for stakeholder consultation and feedback.

The proposed framework seeks to address the growing organised ecosystem involved in trafficking, illegal supply, administration and commercial distribution of prohibited performance-enhancing substances and methods.

The proposed amendments aim to criminalise activities such as trafficking, unauthorized sale and distribution of prohibited substances and methods; administration of prohibited substances to athletes for doping purposes; supply of prohibited substances to minors; organised crime and commercial activities linked to doping; sale of prohibited substances without prescribed labelling; and advertisements and paid promotions encouraging doping.

The proposed provisions are intended to target traffickers, illegal suppliers, organised syndicates and unscrupulous support personnel involved in doping networks.

Importantly, athletes not found involved in the proposed criminal offences like trafficking, organized syndicate etc. will not be criminalised merely for anti-doping rule violations or positive tests. Anti-Doping Rule violations by athletes will continue to be dealt with under the existing anti-doping framework.

The proposed amendments seek to ensure that clean athletes remain protected while enabling stronger action against criminal networks exploiting sport and athletes for commercial gain.

The framework also provides safeguards for athletes with valid Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) and for bona fide medical practitioners acting in emergency medical situations requiring legitimate use of prohibited substance/ methods to athlete.

The proposed measures are aligned with India’s commitments under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Convention against doping in sport and are consistent with the approach supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The proposed framework seeks to balance athlete protection, integrity of sport, public health and effective enforcement.

Stakeholders have been (are) invited to submit their comments and suggestions on the proposed amendments during the public consultation process by 18.06.2026.