PM Modi reviews nine large infrastructure projects in transportation, energy sectors

The Prime Minister has reviewed the progress of nine infrastructure projects worth over 37 thousand crore rupees in railway, road, power, coal and gas pipeline sectors spread over several states. 

The Prime Minister reviewed these projects yesterdeay Chairing the 22nd interaction through PRAGATI. These projects are spread over several states including Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Manipur, Mizoram, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Delhi.Besides, the Prime Minister also reviewed the progress of the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana, HRIDAY to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country and the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan for the Divyang. The India Myanmar Friendship Bridge was also reviewed. 

The Prime Minister during the interaction asked the Sates to use the district administration to facilitate small traders to access and adopt the new tax system of GST. He told Chief Secretaries that traders across the country are positive and are accepting this new taxation arrangement but they need hand-holding for resolving their problems. Mr. Modi reiterated that small businesses must register with the GST Network to take advantage of business opportunities. He said, the common man and the traders must benefit from this path breaking



decision.

The Prime Minister also called for sustained efforts to boost digital payments and work towards a less-cash society. He asked the Secretary, Financial Services, to look at ways to increase the use of RuPay debit cards that have been issued to Jan Dhan account holders. Mr. Modi also reviewed the progress towards handling and resolution of grievances related to the banking sector. 

The Prime Minister said many Central Government departments are now using the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) but only ten States have so far shown keenness in using it. The Prime Minister said that GeM increases the pace of procurement, and boosts transparency, besides supporting enterprise at the local level. He urged all Chief Secretaries to optimise its use to minimize leakages and delays. 

The first 21 meetings of PRAGATI have seen a cumulative review of 190 projects with a total investment of 8.94 lakh crore rupees. Resolution of Public Grievances has also been reviewed in 17 sectors. 

Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation, PRAGATI, is a ambitious multi-purpose and multi-modal interactive platform. It is aimed to address grievances of common people, and simultaneously monitor and review important programmes and projects of the Centre as well as projects flagged by state governments.