- Centre sets up 7 empowered groups to manage crisis impact
- Panels to track oil, gas, inflation, fertilisers and logistics
- Top officials from PMO, Cabinet Secretariat lead groups
- Move follows PM-led CCS review of West Asia conflict
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th March: The Centre has constituted seven empowered groups comprising senior officials and experts to address the economic fallout of the ongoing West Asia conflict, particularly the Iran war, across key sectors.
The decision follows a review meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which assessed the evolving geopolitical situation and its potential impact on India.
The empowered groups will focus on critical areas including energy security, fertilisers, inflation, logistics, supply chains, and strategic affairs. Senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Cabinet Secretariat are part of these panels to ensure coordinated decision-making.
The first group, dealing with strategic issues such as defence and external affairs, will be led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. It includes Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Another key panel monitoring economic and financial stability will be headed by Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur. It will track supply chains, trade flows, and broader economic indicators.
The energy-focused group, led by Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal, will oversee issues related to crude oil, LNG, LPG, and overall energy supply, with participation from major public sector companies like ONGC, IOC, and GAIL.
A separate group under Fertilisers Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra will monitor agricultural inputs and fertiliser availability, especially crucial ahead of the Kharif season.
To keep inflation in check, a panel headed by Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare will monitor prices and availability of essential commodities, while another group under Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar will address transport and logistics challenges.
The seventh group, led by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, will handle communication strategies and public engagement during the crisis.
These empowered groups have been tasked with assessing risks to energy supplies, ensuring price stability, and maintaining uninterrupted availability of essential commodities, as the government steps up efforts to shield the economy from global disruptions.
