Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged state governments to replicate the PRAGATI platform at the state level and to establish Data Strategy Units and Deregulation Cells within state administrative systems. The proposal was made during the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in New Delhi, highlighting the Union government’s emphasis on data-driven governance, administrative efficiency, and proactive policy implementation.

About PRAGATI:

• • • PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
    • Launched by the Central Government in 2015, the platform integrates data management systems, geo-spatial mapping, and video conferencing to monitor key infrastructure projects and flagship schemes across ministries and states.
    • PRAGATI enables real-time tracking, enhances inter-agency coordination, and facilitates the swift resolution of implementation bottlenecks, thereby improving overall governance outcomes.

Key Recommendations:

• • • Replication of PRAGATI at the State Level
      • States are encouraged to develop PRAGATI-like monitoring platforms aligned with their regional development priorities.
      • The objective is to promote proactive problem-solving, real-time project monitoring, improved implementation outcomes, and enhanced accountability in state governance.
    • Establishment of Data Strategy Units
      • States are advised to set up Data Strategy Units within the offices of Chief Secretaries.
      • These units would leverage data analytics, evidence-based policymaking, and digital tools to improve planning, service delivery, and governance reforms.
      • This recommendation reflects a broader shift toward data-driven governance for more effective policy execution.
    • Creation of Deregulation Cells
      • States are encouraged to establish Deregulation Cells to identify and fast-track deregulation measures.
      • The focus is on removing regulatory bottlenecks, simplifying administrative procedures, and improving the ease of doing business.
      • The initiative aims to create a more predictable, transparent, and investment-friendly regulatory environment.
    • Optimisation of Administrative Time
      • The Prime Minister suggested limiting routine and non-essential meetings to free up officers’ time for fieldwork and on-ground implementation.
      • This measure seeks to enhance administrative efficiency and strengthen grassroots-level governance.

Significance of the Initiative:

• • • Enhancing Governance Efficiency: Replicating PRAGATI at the state level can strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, reduce project delays, and ensure timely and cost-effective completion of public projects.
    • Promoting Data-Driven Decision-Making: The institutionalisation of Data Strategy Units underscores the growing importance of analytics and evidence in governance, aligning state administration with global best practices.
    • Boosting Ease of Doing Business: Deregulation Cells can simplify state-level regulatory frameworks, reduce administrative friction, attract investment, and stimulate economic activity.
    • Strengthening Cooperative Federalism: By encouraging states to adopt proven central governance practices, the initiative reinforces cooperative federalism and fosters Centre–state collaboration in governance reforms.

Conclusion:

The Prime Minister’s call to replicate PRAGATI across states and institutionalise Data Strategy Units reflects a broader vision of modern, responsive, and technology-enabled governance. The initiative aligns with India’s push toward digital governance, evidence-based policymaking, and efficient public service delivery—key prerequisites for achieving inclusive and sustainable development across states.