The chief yardstick for the performance appraisal was the ministries’ agility in complaint redressal and file disposal.
Several ministries were rated as “satisfactory” in Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led performance appraisal. The assessment assumes significance as the report cards of ministries will be the determining factor when the government draws up plans for a possible Cabinet expansion, sources said.
The Union Cabinet held a meeting under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership on Thursday, in which Cabinet Secretary TV Somnathan gave a detailed presentation on the performance of all the ministries of the government.
The main yardstick for the performance appraisal was the ministries’ agility in complaint redressal and file disposal. Other sectors, like artificial intelligence, digital platforms, data sharing, data-based decision making, and inter-ministerial cooperation, also played a role in the government’s report card exercise.
The government told the ministries that files shouldn’t remain pending, and complaints mustn’t remain unresolved, the sources added.
PM Modi has directed the ministries to complete developmental work quickly and simplify processes. He called for identifying obstacles to development work and finding solutions.
The ministries have been asked to explain what hinders work, what obstacles delay decisions, implementation, and benefit distribution, and what improvements can be made to address them.
Ministers Swung Into Action
Several ministers immediately swung into action. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed his ministry officials to simplify procedures and eliminate outdated and irrelevant regulations.
Following the meeting, the agriculture minister spoke about changing the administrative work culture in a meeting with officials. He said there is a need to improve the quality of file creation, decision-making and drafting.
Describing drafting as a crucial area, he urged departments to train officers who can prepare files and notes in a robust, clear, and policy-consistent manner.
The Union Cabinet also discussed the issue of pending court cases. All departments have been asked to compile a list of pending cases, review them, designate nodal officers, strengthen legal preparedness, and, if necessary, assign better lawyers.