In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Central government has reviewed the performance of ministries and departments on several administrative and governance-related parameters, including file disposal, grievance redressal and response time to Cabinet notes.
The assessment was presented by Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan during a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
The exercise aimed to improve accountability, streamline administrative processes and encourage faster decision-making across government departments. Ministries were assessed separately under different categories instead of being given an overall combined ranking.
According to reports, the ministries of consumer affairs, coal, power and health emerged among the strongest performers during the review process conducted for the year 2025.
The consumer affairs ministry reportedly received top marks for public grievance resolution and for effectively managing issues related to the West Asia conflict. Meanwhile, the coal ministry performed strongly in areas such as file clearance and overall administrative efficiency. The power and health ministries were also recognised for their performance across key governance indicators.
Officials said Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of quick decision-making and directed ministers and officers to avoid delays in administrative processes. He reportedly emphasised that governance should focus on public welfare and ease of living for citizens.
Following the presentation, several ministers held internal review meetings with their departments to identify challenges and improve efficiency. More such meetings are expected to take place in the coming days.
During one departmental review, Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan instructed officials to ensure that farmers and economically weaker sections do not face unnecessary difficulties in resolving their issues. He also highlighted that grievance redressal should remain a top priority.
The Council of Ministers meeting, held on May 21, lasted nearly four and a half hours and was attended by Cabinet ministers, ministers of state (independent charge), and ministers of state.
Discussions during the meeting focused on governance reforms, improving ease of living and the roadmap for the government’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said the goal of a developed India by 2047 is not merely a slogan but a national commitment. He urged ministries to simplify procedures, speed up implementation of welfare schemes and ensure that benefits reach the maximum number of people.
