New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised concerns over reported quality issues in construction and public infrastructure projects, questioning whether the existing system of third-party audits is sufficient to ensure proper standards.
Chairing the monthly Pragati meeting on Tuesday, Modi is learnt to have asked senior bureaucrats whether the government now needs to consider a “fourth-party audit” to address shortcomings in quality monitoring.
PM stresses quality along with speed
Modi reportedly told secretaries at the Centre and chief secretaries of states that such lapses were unacceptable and that the existing system could not continue without improvement.
The Prime Minister reviewed six infrastructure projects covering the railway, road and power sectors across nine states. The projects have a combined value of more than Rs 30,000 crore.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi stressed that faster execution must be accompanied by uncompromising quality. He called on ministries, states and implementing agencies to adopt modern technologies and strengthen quality assurance and supervision at every stage.
Projects need integrated monitoring
Modi also emphasised that large infrastructure projects should be monitored as integrated systems rather than being viewed as separate stretches, sections or packages.
During a review of a power-sector project, he pointed out that increasing power generation alone would not be sufficient without adequate transmission capacity.
He compared the situation to building dams without providing canals to carry the water, stressing that individual components must work together to deliver the intended outcome.
Focus on preventing cyber fraud
The meeting also reviewed cases of cyber fraud, including incidents involving so-called digital arrests.
Modi stressed the need to strengthen prevention through training, awareness and education. He called for continuous public-awareness campaigns aimed particularly at senior citizens, young people and other vulnerable groups.
The campaigns, he said, should help people recognise common fraud techniques, identify warning signs and follow safe digital practices.
Home Secretary Govind Mohan presented an update on measures being undertaken by 20 states to tackle cyber fraud. Modi also called for regular capacity-building of personnel to help authorities identify and respond quickly to emerging forms of cybercrime.