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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his direct and often humorous approach, delivered a pointed message to Indian bureaucrats during a recent meeting with his cabinet. While acknowledging the crucial role of paperwork in governmental processes, Modi highlighted the frustration caused by bureaucratic delays, comparing the journey of a file to the arduous pilgrimage of 'Char Dham Yatra'—a trek to four sacred Hindu sites in the Himalayas. He humorously remarked that 'Char Dham' might offer salvation, but a file, even after traversing multiple desks, rarely finds its 'moksh' (salvation).
This public critique underscores Modi's persistent call for a more agile and efficient government apparatus. He has consistently urged the bureaucracy to adopt a proactive and responsive approach, aligning their pace with the government's ambitious development plans. In his recent council of ministers meeting, Modi highlighted the need for timely completion of seven key projects across 11 states and union territories, emphasizing that project delays not only lead to cost overruns but also deny the public the intended benefits. This sentiment was echoed in a PMO press release, further emphasizing the importance of official accountability at both the central and state levels.
The meeting also featured a detailed presentation by the outgoing cabinet secretary, Rajiv Gauba, showcasing the government's achievements since its third consecutive term. Presentations on budgetary announcements, infrastructure projects, and education and health initiatives underscored the government's commitment to diverse development agendas. While the emphasis on project delivery and bureaucratic efficiency highlights a core focus of the current administration, it remains to be seen how these directives translate into tangible improvements in the real-world functioning of Indian bureaucracy.
Source: PM Modi Takes A Dig At Bureaucrats, Compares Journey Of A File To 'Char Dham Yatra'