Does Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) endorse cooperative federalism?

Cooperative federalism is one in which national, state, and further local governments interact cooperatively and collectively to solve common problems, rather than making policies separately. This requires an effective cooperation and coordination between the different units of the federation.
Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) provides one such opportunity. PRAGATI is a unique integrating and interactive platform. The platform is 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.
It provides for a unique combination in the direction of cooperative federalism since it brings Secretaries of Government of India and the Chief Secretaries of the States to one common platform.
The PRAGATI meetings chaired by Prime Minister himself will access the various programmes and issues suitable directions for the executive. A built-in feature of PRAGATI is that these directions will remain in the system for further follow up and review till the finality of the matter. Thus PRAGATI provides for an end to end integration using Information and communication technology for effective cooperation in addressing the various governance issues. Thus provides for bridging the gaps in communication together with a follow up mechanism.
But some concerns are raised about the initiative

• The direct interaction of the PM with the state secretaries without involving the political executives of the states is undermining the State political executive.
• It is said that this is leading to concentration of power in the extra-constitutional office of PMO.

PRAGATI provides for a novel approach in Indian federalism. It provides for an effective cooperation between centre and states for addressing the concerns and reviewing of the various projects. Thus PRAGATI has made a beginning and it can be modeled to enhance the cooperative federalism.

Topics: GS-II: Important Aspects of Governance Transparency and Accountability Citizen Charters