 |
|
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kartavya Bhavan 3, the first of the ten Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings in Delhi, marking a significant step in the Central Vista redevelopment plan. During the inauguration ceremony and subsequent address, the Prime Minister emphasized that these new buildings are not merely infrastructural additions but crucial centers for policy deliberation and decision-making that will shape India’s trajectory toward becoming a developed nation. He explicitly linked the new secretariat to the 'Amrit Kaal,' a period of accelerated development envisioned for India, stating that policies and decisions crucial for a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) will be formulated within these walls. This statement underscores the government’s ambition to leverage these modern facilities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of governance. Modi's speech directly addressed the government employees who would occupy these new offices. He challenged them to embrace a more efficient and responsive approach to their work, emphasizing the significant impact of delays on the lives of ordinary citizens. The Prime Minister illustrated this point by noting that delaying a file affecting one lakh people translates to wasting one lakh human days. This appeal underscores the commitment towards a more responsive bureaucracy and seeks to imbue government employees with a sense of purpose tied to national development. He also spoke about the significance of moving key ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, out of outdated buildings that were constructed during the British colonial period. The Prime Minister highlighted the inadequate working conditions in these old buildings, citing issues such as lack of sufficient space, lighting, and ventilation. These shortcomings, he suggested, hindered the productivity and well-being of government employees. By providing a modern and conducive working environment, the new secretariat is expected to boost morale, productivity, and ultimately the overall efficiency of the government machinery. The project is also about financial prudence. The Prime Minister pointed out that the Union government spends a substantial sum of ₹1,500 crore annually on renting office spaces across Delhi. Furthermore, the physical separation of ministries across approximately 50 different locations necessitates the daily movement of 8,000 to 10,000 employees, which results in increased expenditure and contributes to traffic congestion in the city. The consolidation of these ministries within the CCS complex aims to address these inefficiencies by reducing rental costs, streamlining inter-departmental coordination, and minimizing the need for inter-office travel. The new Central Secretariat project reflects a larger commitment to infrastructure development as a catalyst for national progress. The Prime Minister highlighted that these projects are a testament to India’s rapid pace of development and its global vision. By investing in modern infrastructure, the government aims to create an environment that fosters innovation, efficiency, and ultimately, economic growth. The CCS complex is not merely a collection of office buildings, but a symbol of the government’s commitment to creating a modern and efficient administrative system. This is a move towards creating a more streamlined, effective and transparent system of governance capable of addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi used the occasion to highlight the administrative reforms that his government has undertaken over the past eleven years. He stated that approximately 1,500 obsolete laws and 40,000 compliances have been eliminated. This streamlining of regulations aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, facilitate ease of doing business, and promote economic activity. The removal of outdated and unnecessary regulations is intended to free up resources, reduce compliance costs for businesses, and improve the overall efficiency of the regulatory environment. The Prime Minister also emphasized the role of technology in enhancing transparency and efficiency in the delivery of government schemes. He specifically mentioned the use of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar identification, and mobile technology (JAM trinity) as a means to ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries without leakages. The JAM trinity has enabled the government to directly transfer funds to the accounts of beneficiaries, bypassing intermediaries and reducing the scope for corruption. He highlighted the removal of 10 crore fraudulent names from the lists of beneficiaries of various schemes, resulting in savings of ₹4.3 lakh crore. This figure underscores the extent to which fraudulent practices had previously plagued government programs and the impact of using technology to combat corruption and ensure that resources are directed to legitimate beneficiaries. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on technological innovation and administrative reform demonstrates a commitment to modernizing governance and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs. By embracing technology and streamlining regulations, the government aims to create a more citizen-centric and transparent administrative system. The removal of obsolete laws and regulations, along with the use of technology to prevent fraud and ensure efficient delivery of benefits, are key components of this effort.
The construction of the Common Central Secretariat is a part of the larger Central Vista redevelopment project, which aims to transform the heart of India’s capital. The project includes the construction of a new Parliament House, a new residence and office for the Prime Minister, and the renovation of existing buildings. The Central Vista redevelopment project has been a subject of debate, with some critics questioning the cost and the need for such extensive construction. However, the government has defended the project, arguing that it is necessary to modernize the country’s administrative infrastructure and create a symbol of India’s rising global stature. The new Central Secretariat is designed to house multiple ministries under one roof, promoting better coordination and communication between departments. The buildings are equipped with modern amenities and designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable. The project is intended to create a more modern and efficient administrative complex that is befitting of India’s aspirations as a global power. The inauguration of Kartavya Bhavan 3 is a milestone in the Central Vista redevelopment project. The Prime Minister’s speech emphasized the significance of the project as a catalyst for national development and a symbol of India’s commitment to good governance. By investing in modern infrastructure and embracing administrative reforms, the government aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric administrative system that is capable of addressing the challenges of the 21st century. The project reflects a broader vision of India as a developed nation with a modern and efficient administrative system that is capable of delivering services to its citizens effectively and efficiently. The dedication of Kartavya Bhavan 3 marks a new chapter in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation and underscores the importance of good governance in achieving this goal.