Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the 54th meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, at Seva Teerth, reviewing infrastructure projects across Railways, Ekta Malls and Drug Parks worth over ₹16,000 crore across 31 States and Union Territories.
The platform brings together the Central and State Governments to address implementation bottlenecks and improve the delivery of projects and welfare schemes, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed the projects with a focus on timelines, inter-agency coordination and timely resolution of issues.
PM Calls for Linking Ekta Malls with Tourism and Local Businesses
The Prime Minister underlined that PM Ekta Malls should provide markets for local products, strengthen the livelihoods of artisans and help them expand their enterprises. He called for linking the malls with tourism and local businesses, noting that increased demand could generate employment in rural production, packaging, storage and transportation.
He also stressed the need for Chief Secretaries to review progress regularly and ensure the timely completion of the malls.
Focus on Domestic Production of Essential Pharmaceutical Inputs
Reviewing Bulk Drug Parks in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister stressed the need to prioritise domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and essential inputs to strengthen self-reliance.
PM Asks Chief Secretaries to Review Welfare Schemes Monthly
The Prime Minister asked Chief Secretaries to review schemes with District Magistrates every month to address implementation gaps and ensure that benefits reach eligible beneficiaries on time.
He emphasised that governance must focus on outcomes over outlays, ensuring that public expenditure translates into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Referring to the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programmes, PM highlighted the role of convergence, regular monitoring and local accountability in accelerating development in underserved areas. He noted that sustained efforts to strengthen governance and improve the delivery of welfare schemes had helped nearly 25 crore people move out of multidimensional poverty.
PM Calls for Faster Redevelopment of Major Railway Stations
During the review of the redevelopment of Ahmedabad railway station, the Prime Minister called for expediting the redevelopment of major railway stations across the country to improve passenger convenience and ease of travel.
He emphasised that redeveloped stations should serve as multimodal transport hubs, with seamless connectivity to metro and other transport networks.
Directives for Timely Project Completion
The Prime Minister asked the concerned Ministries and State Governments to resolve bottlenecks in mission mode, strengthen Centre-State and inter-agency coordination, and ensure close monitoring at the senior-most level.
Calling for a proactive work culture with greater ownership at every level, he stressed the need to anticipate implementation challenges, take timely decisions and fix clear accountability for completing projects on schedule.
-PIB Inputs
