PM indicates cabinet reshuffle before winter session

The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Monday indicated a reshuffle in the cabinet before the winter session of Parliament.

Speaking to a select group of editors in New Delhi, Dr Singh said he would like to reduce the average age of his cabinet.

The Prime Minister said his cabinet is functioning with a much greater degree of cohesion and rejected the perceptions of disconnect between the Congress party and the government.

Dr Singh also said that he has no plans of retiring.

On the recent Supreme Court order on the distribution of foodgrains free of cost to the poor instead of letting it rot in the godowns, Dr Singh wondered how free food could be given to such a large number of people. He said that an estimated 37 per cent of the population lives below poverty line. Dr Singh said that the Supreme Court should not get into the realm of policy formulations.

While admitting there have been lapses and delays in preparations for the Commonwealth games, the Prime Minister urged everyone to work together to ensure success of the mega event.

On the naxal problem, Dr said there are no quick fixes to the issue. He said valid economic and social issues have to be addressed but law and order has also to be enforced.

The Prime minister said Home Minister is doing an exceedingly good job and Mr Chidambaram has his full confidence and support. Dr Singh said a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security is being called shortly to discuss the situation in Kashmir.

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