The Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has directed all departments to expedite the implementation of the PM Gati-Shakti Scheme. A high-level meeting was held, chaired by the Chief Secretary, where it was noted that the progress on the scheme had been subpar. The Chief Secretary instructed all Administrative Departments to accelerate the implementation and appointed the Commissioner/Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department to monitor the progress. The Chief Secretary also requested regular reports on the scheme’s implementation.
The PM Gati-Shakti Scheme aims to integrate infrastructure schemes from various ministries and State Governments into a cohesive plan. It will encompass initiatives such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, UDAN, and economic zones like textile clusters, pharmaceutical clusters, defence corridors, electronic parks, industrial corridors, fishing clusters, and agricultural zones. The objective is to enhance connectivity and boost the competitiveness of Indian businesses. The scheme aims to address this issue by providing a platform for comprehensive data sharing and coordination among departments. Through the scheme’s integrated planning and analytical tools, different departments will have better visibility of each other’s activities, enabling them to plan and execute projects in a more coordinated manner. The scheme also emphasises the importance of cross-sectoral interactions and the prioritisation of projects to avoid duplication of work.
Despite all these tools and facilities, one of the key issues in infrastructure creation is the lack of coordination between different departments of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite clear instructions and the formation of committees to oversee the work, there is still a lack of effective coordination among the departments. This lack of coordination often leads to wasteful expenditure in the form of duplication of work or one department indulging in some other work at the same place, which delays project execution. The net result is that since the launch of the scheme, progress in implementing it has been less than optimal. This observation has prompted the Chief Secretary to direct all departments to fast-track implementation.
It is indeed crucial for departments to recognise that the implementation of the PM Gati-Shakti Scheme is well-planned and that progress will be closely monitored at the highest level. The fact that the Prime Minister himself will preside over the meeting and that progress reports from each state or Union Territory will be presented by their respective Chief Secretaries underscores the significance attached to this initiative. The comparative reports will enable an analysis of the difficulties faced and any delays encountered without valid reasons. It is a matter of concern that, despite clear assignments of work and the establishment of various committees, the output performance has not met the expected level in Jammu and Kashmir.
The need of the hour is to enhance communication and collaboration among departments involved in the implementation of the scheme. Regular meetings, the sharing of information, and joint planning sessions can help align efforts and improve coordination. Simplify and streamline administrative procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Identify and eliminate unnecessary processes to expedite decision-making and project implementation. Ensure adequate allocation of financial, human, and technological resources to support the implementation of the scheme. Assess resource needs and provide the necessary support to departments to carry out their tasks effectively. Conduct training programmes and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of personnel involved in the implementation. This can improve their understanding of the scheme and equip them with the necessary tools to overcome challenges. Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress of projects, identify bottlenecks, and take corrective actions promptly. Regular review meetings and progress reports can help identify areas that require attention and facilitate course corrections. By addressing these issues and implementing these measures, the performance of the PM Gati-Shakti Scheme can be improved, leading to more efficient and effective implementation of infrastructure projects.
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