PRAGATI Platform: A Landmark in Indian Governance, Reveals Oxford University Study

India’s PRAGATI Initiative Sets a Global Standard for Efficient Governance, Oxford Study Finds

The University of Oxford has praised India’s PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform, calling it a groundbreaking initiative that has transformed infrastructure project implementation. A study titled “From Gridlock to Growth: How Leadership Enables India’s PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress” by the Saïd Business School, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, highlighted how PRAGATI has revolutionized governance and ensured the timely completion of critical projects, positioning it as a model for other countries.

The PRAGATI platform, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, has hosted 44 meetings, during which 355 projects valued at Rs 18.12 lakh crore have been reviewed. This initiative has accelerated the completion of 340 major infrastructure projects worth Rs 17.05 lakh crore between 2015 and June 2023 such as the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir and the Navi Mumbai Airport. Additionally, this initiative completed eight projects that had been delayed for 3 to 20 years promptly identifying the potential area of contention early and preventing delays caused by red tape.

Authored by Professor Soumitra Dutta and Mukul Pandya, the report emphasized that the PRAGATI platform reflects India’s commitment to overcoming bureaucratic inertia, fostering a "Team India" mindset, and promoting accountability and efficiency. The report also highlighted key lessons for other countries, including decisive leadership, using technology in project management, effective dispute resolution, collaboration, and regular reviews, which have been critical to PRAGATI’s success.

The report highlighted that other nations could revolutionize infrastructure development by building on PRAGATI's experiences. It credited the platform's success to Prime Minister Modi’s active involvement in setting deadlines and fostering collaboration. In the foreword, Dr. Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of the World Bank, noted that PRAGATI had transformed India’s large-scale infrastructure and social programs management. He emphasized that the lessons from PRAGATI, especially in embracing digital tools and promoting collaboration, are crucial for nations facing the middle-income trap and could guide other emerging economies.

The PRAGATI platform has been key in overseeing infrastructure projects and monitoring social sector schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Jal Jeevan Mission. The report highlighted that by bringing these programs under the Prime Minister’s supervision, PRAGATI has sped up their implementation and improved their effectiveness. It also emphasized the importance of coordination between the Centre and state governments, with PRAGATI as a strong example of cooperative federalism. The study examined eight projects, including Navi Mumbai Airport and the North Karanpura Thermal Power Plant. It noted that PRAGATI has brought together key officials from both the Centre and states, creating a platform for national governance beyond political divisions.

The University of Oxford’s study underscores the transformative impact of India’s PRAGATI platform on infrastructure development and governance. The report praised the Indian government's initiative to set an example for other countries.

Editor’s Note:

The PRAGATI initiative demonstrates how technology can enhance the efficiency and transparency of government projects and services. Utilizing real-time monitoring, digital data management, and geospatial technology, it successfully addressed delays in critical infrastructure projects and resolved bureaucratic restrictions. The platform facilitated collaboration between central and state governments, helping to prioritize projects and resolve internal conflicts. PRAGATI's success offers valuable leadership, coordination, and efficiency, lessons serving as a model for other countries. 

Skoobuzz commends the Indian government for this initiative, which proves that technology combined with strategic planning can drive sustainable development.