New informal Groups of Ministers (GoMs)

Why in the News? 

India has formed two new informal Groups of Ministers, chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. These panels will recommend reforms in the economic and social sectors, respectively.

Key Points: New Informal Group of Ministers

Panel on Economic Reforms (headed by Amit Shah)

It has 13 members, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Railway Minister, I&B Minister, and Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav (as convener).

• Focuses on laying out legislative and policy reforms in technology and economic sectors such as finance, industry, commerce, manufacturing, logistics, resources, science and technology, and governance.
• The main objective is to reduce the compliance burden on businesses and citizens, promote innovation, simplify procedures, dismantle regulatory barriers, and improve ease of doing business.

Panel on Social Sector Reforms (headed by Rajnath Singh):

It has 18 members, including Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Labour and Sports Minister Mansukh Mahdavia, among others.

• Will examine reforms in education, healthcare, defence, skilling, welfare, housing, and public health.
• Tasked with suggesting legislative changes to reduce delays and enable faster rollout of welfare schemes.

Will focus on areas such as digital health, fintech, gig economy, skilling, and social security, while also highlighting institutional reforms across central, state, and local levels.

Common Aspects of Both Panels

• Both panels have been asked to submit monthly progress reports.
• They will provide a consolidated reforms roadmap within six months.
• Emphasis is on cutting red tape, simplifying laws and procedures, and creating actionable, measurable outcomes.
• The panels are meant to push through reforms quickly by addressing politically sensitive issues and coordinating between states and the Centre.