Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a wide-ranging set of directions to government ministries, focusing on domestic manufacturing, digital development, legal simplification and civic engagement, according to a letter circulated by the Cabinet Secretary on October 9. The letter followed a meeting between the Prime Minister and secretaries of key ministries on October 6.
A central pillar of the reform agenda is Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, with a clear emphasis on reducing imports. Ministries and departments have been instructed to identify products that can be manufactured domestically and engage directly with Indian manufacturers. “Ministries/departments should handhold those industries to facilitate efficient manufacturing of such identified products in India,” the letter states.
Digital empowerment also features prominently. The Cabinet Secretary has asked for the promotion of homegrown development of public digital and social media platforms. “Youth may be nurtured, trained and skilled for developing social media platforms and digital infrastructure domestically,” the communication notes, highlighting the government’s intent to foster indigenous technological capacity.
Civic behaviour is another priority. The Prime Minister has directed a nationwide campaign to improve public conduct and instil a sense of ownership over shared assets, including transport systems and public spaces. Officials have been asked to explore innovative approaches to instil civic responsibility and accountability among citizens.
The letter also recommends the organisation of ‘Chintan Shivirs’ to encourage discussion and brainstorming among officers and staff at state government levels. Participation of young officers and grassroots-level personnel is emphasised. State governments are urged to streamline bureaucratic procedures, reduce multiple decision-making layers and frame policies to facilitate public and private investment efficiently.
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Communication of government initiatives has also been targeted for reform. Ministries are to prepare carefully tailored communication plans that consider specific target groups, stakeholders and media channels, moving away from mechanical approaches previously observed.
A key reform involves litigation. Ministries have been asked to explore setting ceilings on the number of court cases filed, with an emphasis on research and analysis of past judgements to avoid unnecessary legal proceedings. The Prime Minister has further called for the creation of a pool of academically talented final-year law students to assist with litigation, research and drafting work.
“Legislation should be drafted in easy-to-understand and simple language for convenience of citizens. AI tools may be leveraged for this purpose,” the Cabinet Secretary wrote, underlining the government’s focus on modernising legal processes while ensuring accessibility.
The measures collectively reflect an ambitious effort to synchronise economic, technological, civic and legal reforms. Analysts note that fostering domestic production, developing homegrown digital infrastructure and simplifying governance frameworks could enhance efficiency, strengthen India’s self-reliance, and empower citizens.
By combining initiatives in industrial policy, digital empowerment, civic responsibility and legal reform, the government aims to create a more responsive and innovation-driven administration. These steps, according to officials, will also pave the way for greater youth engagement, encouraging young officers and scholars to contribute to policy-making and implementation across ministries and states.
The Prime Minister’s directions mark a concerted push to integrate governance reform, technology and civic engagement with broader objectives of Atmanirbharta, reflecting a strategic vision for a self-reliant and digitally empowered India.
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