Team Manmohan gets to work

Team Manmohan finally took charge and on day 1 of their second innings, many of the ministers were quick to spell out their immediate agenda.

Petroleum Minister Murli Deora indicated consumers may no longer be insulated from global oil price fluctuations.

"Proposal for fuel price deregulation will be sent to Cabinet. Deregulation will allow PSU oil companies to sell fuel at market determined prices," he said.

But the Telecom Minister A Raja held out the promise of cheaper phone bills.

"The auction of 3G will take place in two months time. I will seek Cabinet nod to go ahead with 3G auction. I also expect local calls to drop to 10p per min and STD calls to 25p per min. My conscience is clear in allowing new players into the market," Raja said.

And with the Left no longer dictating terms would the UPA now give a push to FDI and the SEZ policies?

"We will take policies in the interest of national sovereignty," said Commerce Minister Anand Sharma.

C P Joshi, a first-timer from Rajasthan who made it to the Cabinet as the Rural Development Minister, will carry the UPA's flagship programmes like NREGA.

A lot of time was spent finalising the new team and their portfolios. Now that they have taken charge, the focus is clear -- UPA must deliver on its key promises.