A case study by the University of Oxford’s Said Business School, supported by the Gates Foundation, titled ‘From Gridlock to Growth: How Leadership Enables India’s PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress’, has spotlighted PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) as a game-changer in India’s digital governance landscape.
- A digital, multi-modal platform for public grievance redressal, project monitoring, and facilitating policy execution.
- Launched: March 2015 by the Prime Minister of India.
Key Features
- Integrated Platform
- Combines three tiers of government: Central, State, and District administration.
- Real-time, video conferencing-enabled system for discussions.
- Grievance Redressal
- Direct resolution of public grievances through a structured and transparent framework.
- Project Monitoring
- Tracks infrastructure and social sector projects using real-time data.
- Focus areas: Health, education, road connectivity, power, and railway infrastructure.
- Technology-Driven Approach
- Hosted on the National Informatics Centre (NIC)
- Integrates GIS, e-governance tools, and project monitoring dashboards.
Objectives
- Accelerate project implementation and minimize delays.
- Enhance accountability and efficiency across departments.
- Foster transparency in governance.
Achievements
- Impact on Development Projects
- Resolution of bottlenecks in delayed infrastructure projects.
- Fast-tracking of major schemes like PMGSY and Smart Cities Mission.
- Enhanced Grievance Handling
- Over 3 crore grievances redressed as of 2023.
- Reduction in grievance processing time.
- Coordination across Governments
- Improved inter-departmental and inter-state cooperation for holistic development.
Challenges
- Dependence on Coordination
- Effectiveness depends on active participation of all levels of government.
- Digital Access Issues
- Limited digital infrastructure in rural and remote areas.
- Over-reliance on Executive Oversight
- Potential undermining of regular administrative mechanisms.
The PRAGATI portal exemplifies India’s commitment to using technology for governance and inclusive development. Its continued evolution will be key in achieving faster project implementation and enhanced citizen satisfaction.
