New Cabinet discusses Prez address in first meet

The first meeting of the expanded Union cabinet on Sunday is understood to have discussed and approved the President's address to the joint sitting of Parliament on June 4. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chaired the meeting which was also attended by Ministers of State with Independent charge.

Dr Singh is believed to have held deliberations with his team on implementing the 100-day programme of the government during the two-hour long meeting.

The prime minister has given each minister tasks to be achieved by concerned departments under the ministry within 100 days of the government taking office. President Pratibha Patil's address to the joint sitting of Parliament on June 4 is expected to unveil the government's agenda for the year ahead in tune with the policies and programmes of the Congress and its allies.

The President's address is likely to incorporate its commitment to strengthening schemes like National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and economic policies to be followed in the wake of global recession and promises to the weaker sections of society.

A suggestion to bring the long pending women's reservation bill at the earliest was made at the first meeting of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, which was presided by chairperson Sonia Gandhi recently.