Mentor’s comment-

• In the introduction discuss briefly  the objectives of PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation).
• In the body explain that it is the ICT based multi-modal platform for Pro- Active Governance and Timely Implementation,
  involving central and state governments.Discuss the importance of it. Explain challenges if any.
• Conclude on a positive note highlighting the need of such policies to ensure good governance in the country.

                                                                                                          Answer-   

Introduction: PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a unique integrating and interactive platform aimed at addressing common man’s grievances, and simultaneously monitoring and
reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India as well as projects flagged by State Governments. The Prime Minister chaired the 32nd interaction through PRAGATI-the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation in New Delhi recently.
Body:
Unique features of PRAGATI:
 The PRAGATI platform uniquely bundles three latest technologies: Digital data management, video-conferencing and geo-spatial technology.
 The three objectives of PRAGATI are:
o Grievance redressal
o Programme Implementation
o Project Monitoring
 It also offers a unique combination in the direction of cooperative federalism since it brings on one stage the Secretaries of Government of India and the Chief Secretaries of the States.
 It is a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States).
 Issues to be flagged before the PM are picked up from the available database regarding public grievances, on-going programme and pending projects.
PRAGATI brings in more e-transparency and e-accountability:
 It will be a monthly conference call with state chief secretaries and secretaries of the Union government for the speedy redressal of grievances and monitoring and implementation of projects.
 PRAGATI uses data from CPGRAMS for grievances, Project Monitoring Group (PMG) and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. PRAGATI provides an interface and platform for all these three aspects.
 For holistic development of the country, it is necessary to facilitate from central government level the projects of the states.     It also offers a unique combination in the direction of cooperative federalism since it brings on one stage the Secretaries of Government of India and the Chief Secretaries of the States.
 With this, the Prime Minister is able to discuss the issues with the concerned Central and State officials with full information and latest visuals of the ground level situation. Such an effort has never been made in India. It is also an innovative project in e-governance and good governance.
 PM gives suitable directions for redressal of grievances and compliance on the projects and programme and motivated all officers to work in coordinated manner for outcome;
Some of the issues discussed under PRAGATI included:
 Two sets of public grievances of more than 20 people relating to (a) payment of Employees Provident Fund of private sector and (b) Income Tax refunds; It was noted that all the grievances had been redressed. Also, the intervention through PRAGATI is leading to system improvement so that such grievances do not arise.
 Two issues flagged by States of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, regarding National Highways and clearance for Navi Mumbai airport, respectively.
 Six Central Government projects involving more than a dozen Union Government Ministries and thirteen States. It was noted that various actions and permissions relating to projects were pending for several years. Due to PRAGATI, on several issues there was definite progress. In fact, some of the issues were almost finally resolved.
 Progress of School Toilet Programme, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Conclusion:
The Pragati programme will attempt to find solutions for issues picked up from the available data base regarding public grievances, on-going programme and pending projects. This new system of
governance will definitely give a boost to government projects that have been publicized due to their delays. The need of the hour is speedy implementation and completion of government projects.