PRAGATI progress report: 3,300 delayed projects worth Rs 85 lakh crore fast-tracked

Imagine a situation where critical infrastructure projects, meant to boost India's economy and improve citizens' lives, get stuck for years due to bureaucratic hurdles, land disputes, or environmental clearances. This was a common scenario in India, leading to massive cost overruns, delayed benefits, and a perception of inefficiency. To address this colossal challenge, the Prime Minister's Office launched PRAGATI – Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation – on March 25, 2015. This multi-modal platform was designed as a robust system for monitoring and reviewing important government projects and grievances.

PRAGATI is an innovative e-governance platform that combines three cutting-edge technologies: Digital data management, video conferencing, and geo-spatial technology. It enables the Prime Minister to review and monitor government programs and projects involving both the Central and State governments. The core idea is to bring together various secretaries of the Government of India and Chief Secretaries of State governments on a single platform for real-time problem resolution. The recent report highlighting that PRAGATI has fast-tracked over 3,300 delayed projects worth an astounding Rs 85 lakh crore is a testament to its effectiveness. This includes overcoming significant obstacles such as land acquisition issues, forest clearances, and other regulatory bottlenecks, thereby accelerating mega infrastructure works like the crucial Kashmir rail link and the Navi Mumbai airport.

Key stakeholders in the PRAGATI mechanism are primarily at the highest levels of governance. The Prime Minister himself chairs these review meetings, providing the necessary impetus and authority for speedy resolution. Union Secretaries from various ministries (e.g., Road Transport & Highways, Railways, Environment, Forests & Climate Change) and Chief Secretaries from the respective State governments are the direct participants. Their presence ensures that issues are addressed promptly, with decisions taken collaboratively. Beyond these high-level officials, implementing agencies, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private contractors involved in these projects are indirectly stakeholders, as their project timelines and financial health are directly impacted by PRAGATI's interventions.

This initiative holds immense significance for India across multiple dimensions. Economically, by fast-tracking projects, PRAGATI mitigates cost and time overruns, saving taxpayer money and ensuring timely delivery of economic benefits. Infrastructure development, from roads and railways to ports and airports, is a critical engine for economic growth, job creation, and attracting foreign investment. Politically, PRAGATI embodies the principle of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' by promoting efficiency and accountability. It fosters cooperative federalism, as central and state governments work together to resolve inter-departmental and inter-state issues. Socially, timely completion of projects like the Kashmir rail link improves connectivity and accessibility, fostering regional development and integrating remote areas into the national mainstream, while projects like the Navi Mumbai airport enhance urban infrastructure and economic opportunities.

Historically, project delays due to bureaucratic red tape, land acquisition challenges, and environmental clearances have plagued India's development narrative. PRAGATI represents a modern, technology-driven approach to tackle these perennial problems. It builds upon earlier efforts to improve project monitoring but provides an unprecedented level of real-time interaction and accountability from the highest office. This aligns with broader government reforms aimed at improving India's 'Ease of Doing Business' ranking and enhancing transparency in public administration.

From a constitutional perspective, PRAGATI operates within the framework of India's federal structure. Projects often fall under subjects listed in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, requiring coordination between the Union and State governments. For instance, 'railways' are a Union List subject (Entry 22), while 'land' is a State List subject (Entry 18). PRAGATI helps bridge this gap, ensuring that the 'Obligation of States and the Union' (Article 256), which mandates states to comply with Union laws and executive power, is met efficiently in project implementation. Furthermore, the issues of land acquisition are governed by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, while environmental and forest clearances are guided by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. PRAGATI ensures strict adherence to these legal frameworks while expediting the clearance processes.

Looking ahead, PRAGATI's continued success has significant future implications. It can further streamline regulatory processes, making India an even more attractive destination for domestic and foreign investment. The model could potentially be expanded to monitor other critical government programs and public service delivery mechanisms, fostering a culture of performance and accountability across all levels of governance. As India aims to become a major global economic power, efficient project implementation platforms like PRAGATI will be crucial in achieving ambitious infrastructure targets, ensuring sustainable development, and delivering on the promise of inclusive growth for all citizens.