Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) platform

Introduction

Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) is a unique, multi-purpose, and multi-modal governance platform designed to foster cooperative federalism in India. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 25, 2015. The platform integrates three technologies—Digital Data Management, Video-Conferencing, and Geospatial Technology—to streamline governance, enhance project implementation, and address public grievances effectively.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding PRAGATI is critical as it exemplifies e-governance and efficient public administration, which are key topics in governance, polity, and public administration.

Objectives of PRAGATI

The PRAGATI platform is built on the principles of accountability, transparency, and efficiency. Its primary objectives are:

  1. Fostering Cooperative Federalism:

    • Encourages collaboration between the central and state governments to resolve issues and accelerate project implementation.
  2. Improving Public Grievance Redressal:

    • Addresses citizen grievances through direct interaction with relevant authorities.
  3. Fast-Tracking Infrastructure Development:

    • Ensures timely completion of infrastructure and development projects by monitoring progress and addressing bottlenecks.
  4. Enhancing Governance:

    • Promotes transparency and accountability in decision-making.
  5. Ensuring Timely Policy Implementation:

    • Tracks the implementation of flagship government schemes and policies.

Key Features of PRAGATI

  • Real-Time Interaction:

    • Enables the Prime Minister to interact directly with Secretaries of the Central Government and Chief Secretaries of State Governments.
  • Integration of Technology:

    • Combines data from various government departments with video conferencing and geospatial technology for efficient decision-making.
  • Wide Scope:

    • Covers various sectors such as infrastructure, public welfare, urban development, rural development, railways, power, and health.
  • Monthly Meetings:

    • Conducted every fourth Wednesday, known as “PRAGATI Day.”
  • Issue Resolution Framework:

    • Issues raised by states or identified by the Prime Minister’s Office are resolved through direct communication and follow-up.
  • Citizen-Centric Approach:

    • Focuses on addressing grievances registered on the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).

Mechanism of PRAGATI

  • Identification of Issues:

    • Issues are identified through:
      • Public grievances.
      • Pending infrastructure projects.
      • Feedback from state and central departments.
  • Coordination:

    • Secretaries and Chief Secretaries are required to update progress reports, highlight obstacles, and propose solutions.
  • Interaction:

    • The Prime Minister chairs the video conferencing sessions, ensuring direct communication with officials.
  • Follow-Up:

    • Action points are outlined for each issue, and deadlines are set for resolution. Subsequent meetings track progress.
  • Accountability:

    • Departments and states are held accountable for delays or non-compliance with directives.

Achievements of PRAGATI

  • Expedited Project Implementation:

    • Hundreds of infrastructure projects across railways, highways, power, and urban development sectors have been fast-tracked.
  • Public Grievance Redressal:

    • Thousands of grievances have been addressed, ensuring better service delivery.
  • Enhanced Inter-Governmental Coordination:

    • Strengthened communication between the central and state governments.
  • Economic Growth:

    • Accelerated completion of projects has boosted investment and economic activity.
  • Impact on Flagship Schemes:

    • Improved monitoring and implementation of schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Digital India.

Significance of PRAGATI

  • Promotes E-Governance:

    • Showcases India’s commitment to leveraging technology for better governance.
  • Addresses Systemic Issues:

    • Tackles inefficiencies in project implementation and grievance redressal.
  • Enhances Public Trust:

    • Citizens witness prompt action on grievances, boosting confidence in the administration.
  • Supports Sustainable Development:

    • Timely completion of infrastructure projects contributes to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
  • Strengthens Federalism:

    • Encourages collaboration between different levels of government.

PRAGATI and Governance

PRAGATI embodies several principles of good governance:

  1. Accountability:

    • Regular monitoring and follow-ups hold officials responsible for delays.
  2. Transparency:

    • Open discussions on issues improve decision-making clarity.
  3. Citizen-Centricity:

    • Focuses on resolving public grievances and improving service delivery.
  4. Efficiency:

    • Ensures optimal utilization of resources for project implementation.
  5. Innovative Approach:

    • Combines technology and governance to create a streamlined system.

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

  • Prelims:

    • Questions on the launch year, features, and objectives of PRAGATI.
  • Mains:

    • Analysis of PRAGATI’s role in governance, federalism, and public service delivery.
  • Essay:

    • Topics on e-governance, transparency, and cooperative federalism.
  • Ethics:

    • PRAGATI as an example of accountability and responsiveness in administration.

Practice Questions

  • Prelims Question:

    • PRAGATI is associated with:
      a) Rural Development
      b) Infrastructure Development
      c) E-Governance
      d) Public Distribution System
      (Answer: c)
  • Mains Question:

    • Discuss the significance of PRAGATI in enhancing governance and public administration in India. What challenges does it face, and how can they be addressed?

Conclusion

PRAGATI reflects India’s innovative approach to governance by integrating technology with administration. Its success in expediting projects, resolving grievances, and enhancing inter-governmental coordination underscores its importance as a governance model. However, addressing challenges such as coordination issues and technological gaps is essential for maximizing its impact.

For UPSC aspirants, PRAGATI serves as a prime example of modern governance, emphasizing principles of efficiency, accountability, and citizen-centricity. Understanding its framework and impact provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of governance in India.

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