PRAGATI Platform

Context (PIB): The PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) Platform was launched in 2015 to introduce e-transparency and e-accountability in welfare schemes.

The platform addresses public grievances and monitors essential government programs.
It operates on three technologies
1. Digital Data Management
2. Video-Conferencing
3. Geospatial Technology

Working Structure of PRAGATI

It is a 3-tier system involving the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States (promotes cooperative federalism).
The PM holds a monthly program generally on the Fourth Wednesday (PRAGATI Day).
Union Government and Chief Secretaries provide comments and updates on the flagged issues and grievances within three days.

Key benefits of the PRAGATI platform

E-Transparency: Ensures transparency in governance by making information accessible in real-time.
E-Accountability: Holds officials accountable for their actions and decisions.
Real-Time Exchange: Facilitates real-time interaction and exchange among key stakeholders.
Public Grievance Redressal: Addresses the grievances of the common man effectively.
Program Monitoring: Enables monitoring and reviewing of government programmes and projects.
Cooperative Federalism: Bringing central and state officials together.
Technology Integration: Integrates digital data management, video-conferencing, and geospatial technology for effective governance.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. How has the Pragati platform transformed the governance paradigm in India, shifting it from a bureaucratic, top-down approach to one characterised by responsible and transparent governance?

Answer: The Pragati platform has ushered in a transformative shift in the governance paradigm, effectively transitioning from a bureaucratic, top-down approach to a model marked by responsible and transparent governance.

India’s governance framework – Historical Context

Bureaucratic Hierarchy: Historically, India’s governance was characterised by a bureaucratic and hierarchical system, leading to administrative delays and inefficiencies.
Slow Decision-Making: Decision-making processes within the government were notoriously slow, hindering progress and responsiveness to citizen’s needs.
Red Tape Challenges: Excessive red tape and administrative complexity were prevalent, resulting in a lack of transparency and accountability.
Top-Down Approach: A top-down approach to governance was dominant, with centralised decision-making that often failed to address local and immediate concerns.
Ineffective Governance: The historical governance framework was criticised for inefficiency and lack of responsiveness, contributing to public frustration and regulatory bottlenecks.

How the PRAGATI platform brought a paradigm shift in a traditional governance model

Traditional Governance	PRAGATI Platform
Bureaucratic Hierarchy	Collaborative Structure
Top-Down Decision Making	Decentralised Decision Making
Limited Transparency	Enhanced Transparency
Limited Citizen Participation	Increased Citizen Participation
Slow Project Implementation	Timely Project Implementation

Collaborative Structure

Pragati has helped reduce bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies by providing a platform for government officials to interact directly with the Prime Minister and key decision-makers.
This has streamlined communication and expedited decision-making, reducing the bureaucratic hierarchy’s negative impact.

Timely Decision making

Pragati aims to ensure timely decision-making and implementation of projects and policies.
Through regular video conferences and discussions on the platform, issues and projects are tracked and monitored closely, allowing for quicker resolutions and implementation.

Red Tape Challenges

Pragati has reduced excessive red tape and complexity through transparency and accountability.
It allows officials to discuss challenges openly, simplifying bureaucratic procedures.

Top-Down Approach

Pragati challenges the traditional top-down approach by facilitating discussions and interactions between central government officials and state-level authorities.
This approach ensures that local and immediate concerns are addressed more effectively, moving away from the strictly centralised decision-making model.

Pro-active Governance

Pragati’s focus on proactive governance and timely implementation directly addresses the criticism of historical inefficiency and lack of responsiveness in the governance framework.

Conclusion

The Pragati platform has shifted the paradigm in India’s governance framework by promoting transparency, accountability, and faster decision-making.
However, Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and socioeconomic disparities are persistent issues in the Governance system, which still needs further reforms to address these challenges.