New Beginning At Seva Tirtha: PM Modi’s Cabinet Meets Today, ‘Good News’ Rule Explained

New Delhi: The first meeting of the cabinet is going to be held today at 11 am on Tuesday in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new office 'Seva Tirtha'. This new building has now become the main center of the Prime Minister's Office. The last cabinet meeting was held in South Block on 13 February, the same day the PMO was shifted to 'Seva Tirtha'. This change is very important, because now everything is coming in one area.

What happened in the last meeting of South Block?

According to sources, in the last meeting held in South Block, PM Modi refreshed old memories. He told the ministers that the first four cabinet meetings of Jawaharlal Nehru after independence were held in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Then many historic decisions were taken in South Block – the strategy for the country's four major wars was also made in the war room of this building. By sharing all this, the PM connected the ministers with history and created an emotional moment.

Will any good news also be shared?

PM Modi's cabinet meetings are usually not limited to just files and decisions. In every weekly meeting he discusses the major events of the previous week, takes feedback from ministers and asks for suggestions. The most important thing – every minister is expected to share some 'good news'. This could be an achievement of the Good News Ministry or even a personal one. This keeps the atmosphere positive and everyone takes inspiration from each other.

What are some examples of good news?

Once a senior minister told how he turned around a loss-making government undertaking in a few months and brought it to a profit of Rs 100 crore. An interesting anecdote of personal good news is that last year, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said in the meeting that he was blessed with a son. The PM and all the ministers clapped and congratulated. Many ministers talk about decisions that improved the lives of common people – like changes in electricity, water, roads, health, railways or education. These stories motivate other ministers.

What is shifting in Seva Teerth?

Now the Cabinet Secretariat has also moved to 'Seva Tirtha', which was earlier in the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex. This will make work easier. PM's residence is also being built nearby. Soon the new Parliament building, new PMO, residences and most of the ministries will come within a radius of 1-2 km. This will provide considerable relief from traffic jams caused by VVIP movement.

Overall, a new beginning is taking place in 'Seva Tirth'—work is fast, and the atmosphere is positive. These small traditions of the PM keep the cabinet together like a team.