Oxford Lauds PRAGATI Platform

Oxford Lauds PRAGATI Platform

A recent study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School (SBS) has lauded the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) infrastructure monitoring system, recognizing its transformative role in improving governance and expediting infrastructure development in India.

Findings of the Study

The study evaluated the impact of PRAGATI on infrastructure development and governance in India. Here are the key findings:

1. Impact on Infrastructure Development

• Fast-tracked 340 projects worth a combined $205 billion. These projects faced critical challenges such as land acquisition and inter-ministerial coordination, which PRAGATI helped address.

• The system played a pivotal role in ensuring the completion of essential infrastructure services, including:

  • Roads

  • Railways

  • Water supply

  • Electricity distribution

2. Technological Innovation

• PRAGATI leveraged real-time data, drone feeds, and video conferencing to facilitate efficient decision-making and accelerate project implementation.

• The platform incorporated sustainability by promoting the use of green technologies and streamlining the process of obtaining environmental clearances.

3. Economic Transformation

• Infrastructure spending under PRAGATI has been shown to have a GDP multiplier effect. According to studies by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), each rupee spent on infrastructure yields a multiplier effect of ₹2.5 to ₹3.5 in economic output.

4. Social Benefits

• The PRAGATI platform has had substantial social benefits, particularly in improving the quality of life for millions of citizens by ensuring access to essential services.

• It has played a key role in ensuring inclusivity in development, making sure that even the most marginalized communities benefit from infrastructural advancements.

5. Addressed Bureaucratic Inertia

• One of the core successes of the PRAGATI platform has been its ability to address bureaucratic inertia and instill a "Team India" mindset.

• By fostering accountability across all stakeholders and ensuring that senior officials from the central and state governments interact directly with the Prime Minister, the platform helped overcome the inertia typically seen in large government projects.

6. Lessons for Global Development

• The PRAGATI platform is seen as a governance model that can be emulated by other countries, especially those grappling with challenges such as the Middle-Income Trap.

• Countries struggling with slow project implementation and inefficient governance can draw valuable lessons from PRAGATI in terms of technological integration, project acceleration, and inter-agency coordination.

About PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) Platform

Launch and Background

• PRAGATI was launched in 2015 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a platform to address the issue of delayed project implementation and improve governance.

• The primary aim of the platform is to accelerate infrastructure development and ensure that critical projects are completed on time, with effective coordination between different government agencies at both state and central levels.

Core Objectives of PRAGATI

1. Expedite Project Implementation: To reduce delays in project completion by actively monitoring and addressing obstacles in real time.

2. Foster Collaboration: The platform brings together various government agencies, state governments, and the private sector to work on a collaborative approach to project execution.

3. Ensure Accountability: Through regular monitoring and high-level oversight, PRAGATI ensures that government officials remain accountable for the timely completion of projects.

Key Features of PRAGATI

• Technology Integration for Real-Time Monitoring: PRAGATI uses cutting-edge technology to monitor and track the progress of infrastructure projects, providing real-time updates on issues and bottlenecks.

• Direct Interaction: The platform enables direct interaction between the Prime Minister and senior officials at both state and central levels, ensuring that projects are on track and that any issues are promptly addressed.

• Breaking Administrative Silos: One of the primary goals of PRAGATI is to remove administrative silos by improving coordination between different departments and ministries, thereby speeding up the decision-making process.

• Centralized Data and Monitoring: The platform collects data from multiple stakeholders, including ministries, state governments, and public sector undertakings, to provide a comprehensive overview of ongoing projects.

Conclusion

The PRAGATI platform has proven to be a game-changer in India’s approach to governance and infrastructure development. By combining technology, real-time data, and high-level coordination, it has not only fast-tracked projects worth billions but also enhanced governance standards and accountability. Its success offers valuable lessons for other nations striving for effective and inclusive development, making it an exemplary model for governance in the digital age.