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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20235 Marks
Q52.

Expedite

How to Approach

This question requires defining "expedite" and then elaborating on mechanisms and strategies employed by the government and various institutions to expedite processes – particularly those related to governance, project implementation, and dispute resolution. The answer should cover constitutional provisions, statutory frameworks, technological interventions, and administrative reforms. A structured approach focusing on different domains (judicial, administrative, economic) will be beneficial.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The term ‘expedite’ signifies to accelerate or hasten a process, bringing about a quicker resolution or completion. In the context of Indian governance, expediting processes is crucial for efficient service delivery, economic growth, and maintaining public trust. Delays are endemic in various sectors, ranging from judicial proceedings to infrastructure projects and bureaucratic decision-making. Recognizing this, the Indian government has implemented numerous measures, leveraging both legislative and technological advancements, to streamline operations and ensure timely outcomes. This answer will explore these mechanisms across different domains.

I. Expediting Judicial Processes

The Indian judicial system faces a significant backlog of cases. Several measures have been taken to expedite proceedings:

  • Constitutional Provisions: Article 142 of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court power to pass decrees necessary for doing complete justice, allowing it to bypass procedural delays.
  • Statutory Frameworks: The Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Act, 2015, aims to expedite resolution of commercial disputes. The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019, strengthens the arbitration mechanism.
  • e-Courts Project: Launched in 2007, this initiative aims to digitize court records, enable online case filing, and facilitate video conferencing, reducing delays and improving transparency. (As of 2023, Phase III is underway).
  • National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG): A centralized platform providing real-time information on case status across all courts in India.
  • Lok Adalats: These forums provide a platform for amicable settlement of disputes through mediation and compromise.

II. Expediting Administrative Processes

Bureaucratic delays often hinder efficient governance. The following measures are employed to expedite administrative processes:

  • Digital Governance: Initiatives like Digital India Mission (2015) promote e-governance, online services, and paperless administration.
  • Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS): An online platform for citizens to lodge grievances and track their resolution.
  • Mission Mode Projects (MMPs): Under the National e-Governance Plan, MMPs focus on automating key government functions, such as land records, taxation, and citizen services.
  • Delegation of Powers: Empowering lower-level officials to make decisions reduces the need for approvals from higher authorities.
  • Result Framework Documents (RFDs): These documents set targets and timelines for government departments, promoting accountability and timely implementation.

III. Expediting Economic and Infrastructure Project Implementation

Delays in infrastructure projects significantly impact economic growth. Measures to expedite these include:

  • Project Monitoring Group (PMG): Established in 2013 under the Cabinet Secretariat, PMG monitors large infrastructure projects and resolves inter-ministerial issues.
  • Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan (2021): Aims to break departmental silos and integrate different modes of transport through a common platform, accelerating project implementation.
  • National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP): Identifies projects worth ₹111 lakh crore for implementation between 2020-2025, providing a clear roadmap for infrastructure development.
  • Single Window Clearance: Streamlining the process of obtaining approvals and permits for projects.
  • Model Concession Agreements (MCAs): Standardized agreements for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, reducing negotiation time.

IV. Technological Interventions

Technology plays a vital role in expediting processes across all sectors:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Used for automating tasks, analyzing data, and predicting delays.
  • Blockchain Technology: Enhances transparency and security in land records, supply chain management, and other areas.
  • Geographic Information System (GIS): Facilitates efficient planning and monitoring of infrastructure projects.
  • Data Analytics: Helps identify bottlenecks and optimize processes.

V. Challenges and Way Forward

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. These include a lack of inter-departmental coordination, inadequate infrastructure, and resistance to change. Strengthening institutional mechanisms, promoting a culture of accountability, and investing in capacity building are crucial for sustained progress. Further leveraging technology and adopting a citizen-centric approach will be key to expediting processes and improving governance.

Conclusion

Expediting processes is fundamental to good governance and economic progress in India. While significant strides have been made through legislative reforms, technological interventions, and administrative streamlining, persistent challenges necessitate a holistic and sustained approach. Continued focus on digitalization, inter-departmental coordination, and a citizen-first mindset will be vital to unlock the full potential of India’s growth trajectory and ensure efficient service delivery.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

e-Governance
The application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to the processes of government functioning in order to simplify procedures, improve efficiency, and enhance transparency.
Single Window Clearance
A system where investors and businesses can obtain all necessary approvals and permits from a single point of contact, reducing bureaucratic delays and simplifying the process of starting and operating a business.

Key Statistics

As of December 2023, over 6.9 crore cases are pending in Indian courts (Source: National Judicial Data Grid).

Source: National Judicial Data Grid (December 2023)

The average time taken to resolve commercial disputes in India was reduced from 480 days to 360 days after the implementation of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 (Source: World Bank Doing Business Report, 2020).

Source: World Bank Doing Business Report, 2020

Examples

UDAN Scheme

The Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, launched in 2016, expedited regional connectivity by providing subsidies to airlines to operate on unserved and underserved routes, significantly reducing travel time and costs for citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the role of Right to Information (RTI) Act in expediting governance?

The RTI Act promotes transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to access information held by public authorities, thereby reducing opportunities for delays and corruption and encouraging timely decision-making.

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