The government has, for the first time, conducted a performance assessment of ministries on various administrative parameters, including delays in clearing files, grievance redressal, and responses to Cabinet proposals. Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan presented the ranking of ministries and departments on each of these parameters during the Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday.
Scorecards to Foster Competition
According to sources, the Cabinet Secretariat prepared scorecards for ministries and departments, with the intention of fostering a sense of competition to eliminate delays in file clearance and expedite the resolution of public grievances. An official stated, "However, there was no overall ranking of ministries across all parameters combined. The Prime Minister instructed all ministers and officers to fast-track decision-making for public good, emphasizing that there is no room for delay or lethargy in taking prompt action."
PM Modi's Remarks on the Meeting
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on X, "Had a fruitful meeting of the Council of Ministers yesterday. We exchanged perspectives and best practices relating to boosting 'Ease of Living, Ease of Doing Business' and how to further reforms in order to realize our shared dream of a Viksit Bharat." Following a detailed presentation by Somanathan, several ministers held review meetings with their officials, while others have scheduled similar exercises early next week to identify issues and resolve them quickly.
Agriculture Minister's Directives
In a review meeting, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed officials to ensure that farmers and the poor are not forced to run from pillar to post, and that grievance redressal becomes the top priority. He also instructed officials to simplify rules and procedures, and to leverage artificial intelligence, data, and digital governance to drive new momentum in agriculture and rural development.
