The BRICS TimesPrime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing BJP MPs, advised them to stay connected with the people and keep track of beneficiaries of government schemes. He suggested that MPs should organize a monthly ‘tiffin meeting’ in their constituencies to better understand public issues.
During the BJP MPs’ workshop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a clear message to his party’s parliamentarians, urging them to conduct their own research and preparation before participating in parliamentary debates. He emphasized that MPs must actively engage with government programs and schemes rather than remaining passive observers. Interestingly, PM Modi chose to sit in the last row alongside other MPs during the training session, attending the entire workshop from 10:45 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., thereby setting an example of attentiveness and discipline.
Following the structured training, the Prime Minister also held informal interactions with several groups of MPs. For this discussion, the parliamentarians were divided into five groups, each assigned to deliberate on specific subjects. The group focusing on agriculture, water, social justice, and health was led by Sanjay Jaiswal. Another group dealing with defense, foreign affairs, finance, IT, and home affairs was guided by Baijayant Panda, where many senior union ministers were also present. Similarly, Shashank Mani moderated the group on power, petroleum, coal, and industries, while P.P. Chaudhary supervised discussions on education and law. Bhartuhari Mahtab coordinated the group covering railways, labor, urban development, and transportation.
In one of these sessions, Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of spreading awareness, especially in urban areas, about the rationale behind the recent ban on betting in online gaming. He encouraged MPs to think innovatively and contribute “out-of-the-box” ideas on the subjects they were discussing. The next round of the workshop is scheduled for September 8, where NDA MPs will gather from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for another session, including a special address by the Prime Minister himself.
PM Modi also outlined a set of expectations from his MPs during these deliberations. He encouraged them to hold at least one ‘tiffin meeting’ every month in each assembly segment of their constituency. “Sit with the people, share food, and listen to their concerns closely so that their issues are properly understood,” he advised. He further recommended that MPs should meet concerned ministers and officials both before and after parliamentary committee meetings to gain a deeper perspective on the issues being discussed.
Highlighting the importance of approach, Modi reminded them to treat officials with respect and professionalism. Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s cleanliness model, he urged MPs to push the Swachh Bharat mission forward and adopt innovative methods for progress. He particularly drew attention to monitoring whether farmers in their constituencies are actually receiving benefits under schemes like the Kisan Samman Nidhi. “Ensure that government schemes reach everyone, and also actively promote awareness about these initiatives,” the Prime Minister said.
He pointed out that rural and urban areas face different sets of challenges, and therefore MPs must be equally aware of both. He insisted that remaining in close touch with citizens and being informed about the beneficiaries of welfare schemes is essential for fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.
