PRAGATI Platform: Technology-Driven Governance in Action

Why in News ?

At the 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference, the Prime Minister urged States to replicate the Centre’s PRAGATI system to strengthen technology-driven governance, improve project monitoring, and accelerate the implementation of key reforms.

Background & Context

India’s governance challenges have traditionally included delays in project execution, bureaucratic silos, weak Centre–State coordination, and slow grievance redressal mechanisms. Large infrastructure and welfare projects often suffer from time overruns due to fragmented accountability and procedural bottlenecks.

To address these systemic issues, the Government of India has increasingly relied on digital governance platforms that promote transparency, real-time monitoring, and outcome-based administration. The PRAGATI platform, launched in 2015, represents a shift from file-based governance to direct, technology-enabled executive oversight.

What is the PRAGATI Platform ? 

PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.

• It is an ICT-enabled, multi-purpose governance platform initiated in 2015
• Designed to ensure:
  • Timely implementation of government projects
  • Effective grievance redressal
  • High-level monitoring of critical infrastructure and policy reforms

The platform embodies the philosophy of “maximum governance with minimum government.”

Key Features of PRAGATI

Three-Tier Governance Architecture

PRAGATI operates through a three-tier system:

1. Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
2. Union Government Secretaries
3. Chief Secretaries of States

This structure enables direct communication across levels, bypassing conventional bureaucratic delays.

Prime Minister–Led Oversight

• Periodic PRAGATI reviews are chaired by the Prime Minister
• Ensures:
  • Swift decision-making
  • Resolution of inter-ministerial and Centre–State bottlenecks
  • Clear accountability at the highest executive level

Advanced Technology Integration

PRAGATI integrates multiple digital tools, including:

• Video conferencing for real-time interaction
• Geo-spatial mapping for project tracking
• Drone feeds for on-ground verification
• Centralised data dashboards for monitoring progress

Integration with National Digital Platforms

PRAGATI is not a standalone system. It is integrated with major national governance portals, including:

• Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)
• PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
• PARIVESH (environmental clearance portal)
• Project Monitoring Group (PMG) portal

This integration enables:

• Real-time monitoring
• Predictive tracking of delays
• Cross-sectoral coordination

Role in Centre–State Coordination

• Strengthens the “Team India” approach
• Facilitates:
  • Resolution of inter-state disputes
  • Faster approvals for infrastructure and development projects
  • Alignment of national priorities with state-level execution

The Prime Minister’s call for States to replicate PRAGATI-like systems reflects its effectiveness in enhancing cooperative federalism.

Significance of PRAGATI

Governance Efficiency

• Reduces procedural delays and red tape
• Enables outcome-oriented reviews instead of routine file movement

Accountability

• Senior officials are directly accountable for project delays
• Ensures transparency in decision-making

Developmental Impact

• Accelerates implementation of flagship programmes
• Improves delivery of infrastructure, social sector, and reform initiatives

Digital Governance Model

• Serves as a benchmark for technology-driven public administration
• Demonstrates effective use of data, monitoring, and executive leadership

Challenges and Limitations

• Heavy reliance on top-down monitoring
• Effectiveness depends on:
  • Quality of data inputs
  • Administrative capacity at the state level
• Risk of uneven adoption across States

Way Forward

• Encourage States to develop PRAGATI-like platforms suited to local governance needs
• Strengthen data quality and real-time reporting mechanisms
• Institutionalise digital review systems beyond personality-driven oversight
• Build capacity of state and district administrations in data-driven governance