PRAGATI Initiative Achieves Milestone with 50 Reviews, Enhancing Governance in India
Significant Milestone for PRAGATI Initiative
The Indian government's widely discussed PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) initiative has successfully completed a significant milestone of 50 reviews. During a comprehensive media briefing led by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, various secretaries from different ministries provided detailed insights for nearly two hours on projects, schemes, and grievance redressal, addressing all media inquiries.
Origins and Objectives of PRAGATI
It is important to note that Prime Minister Narendra Modi conceptualized the PRAGATI platform on March 25, 2015, aiming to expedite long-stalled public projects, schemes, and citizen grievances through a technology-driven, timely, and accountable governance model. This platform has effectively resolved longstanding coordination issues at both central and state levels.
Project Reviews and Achievements
According to Cabinet Secretary Somanathan, over 3,300 projects, with a total cost exceeding ₹85 lakh crore, have been reviewed on the PRAGATI/PMG portal. Additionally, 61 major government schemes, including One Nation-One Ration Card, PM Jan Arogya Yojana, PM Housing Scheme, and Swachh Bharat Mission, along with 36 sectors related to citizen complaints, have been monitored through this platform.
Resolution Rates and Project Insights
So far, 7,735 issues have been raised, with 7,156 resolved, resulting in an impressive resolution rate of approximately 73%. Somanathan noted that during the direct reviews conducted by the Prime Minister, 382 projects revealed 3,187 issues, of which 2,958 were addressed. This indicates that on average, one significant problem is resolved each working day through this system.
Sector-wise Contributions
In terms of sector contributions, the projects reviewed by the Prime Minister predominantly involved roads and highways (114 projects), railways (109), and power (54). Other sectors included petroleum, coal, housing and urban affairs, water resources, health, and external affairs.
Notable Examples of PRAGATI's Impact
Key examples showcasing the impact of PRAGATI include the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and the Bogibeel rail-road bridge—projects that had been stalled for over a decade but gained decisive momentum and were completed on time due to PRAGATI's intervention.
Capital Expenditure Growth
The capital expenditure landscape has also transformed significantly. From ₹1.97 lakh crore in 2014-15, it is projected to rise to ₹11.21 lakh crore by 2025-26 (BE). The capital expenditure from PSU's internal and external resources has reached ₹4.26 lakh crore.
Railway and Road Sector Developments
In the railway sector, there has been a 370% increase in capital expenditure over the past decade, with 98% of the broad gauge network electrified, 31,000 km of new tracks laid, and over 68 Vande Bharat trains launched as a direct result of this system.
Improvements in the Road Sector
In the road sector, the length of national highways has increased by 60%, construction speed has tripled, and 7.8 lakh km of rural roads have been completed.
Achievements in the Power Sector
In the power sector, notable achievements include over 500 GW of installed capacity, a 300% increase in renewable energy, and a reduction in power shortages from 4.2% to 0.1%.
PRAGATI: A Transformative Governance Model
PRAGATI is not merely a review platform; it represents a pivotal shift in India's governance culture, transforming 'dusty files' into 'swift decisions.' For decades, projects in India faced delays due to land acquisition, forest clearances, and departmental conflicts, leading to soaring costs and eroded public trust. PRAGATI directly addresses these root issues.
Prime Minister's Direct Involvement
Crucially, the Prime Minister himself is at the center of this system. When the nation's top leadership regularly questions state chief secretaries and central secretaries, accountability shifts from paperwork to real-world outcomes. The two-hour media session with Cabinet Secretary Somanathan and various secretaries, where they addressed every statistic, question, and criticism, exemplifies the Modi government's commitment to the 'Developed India' agenda as a governance priority rather than mere propaganda.
The Concept of a Single Source of Truth
The true strength of PRAGATI lies in its concept of a single source of truth. There are no excuses or opportunities to hide data. Notably, the Saïd Business School at Oxford University has recognized it as a global best practice model for digital governance. Furthermore, the PRAGATI platform embodies cooperative federalism, where the center and states collaborate to find solutions rather than blame each other.
Conclusion: A New Era of Development
Sector-wise achievements clearly indicate that development is no longer reliant on mere announcements. Roads are being constructed rapidly, the rail network is modernizing, electricity is reliably reaching every home, and airports are being developed to meet future needs. This is a transformed India, once notorious for its 'late-lateef' system, now becoming a benchmark for timely execution.
Accountability and Trust
Despite any criticisms, the reality is that PRAGATI has made governance accountable, transparent, and results-oriented. This initiative is not just delivering projects but also restoring trust in India. The path to a developed India is paved not through speeches but through platforms like PRAGATI, which has become a vital link in this journey.