TL-NAIDU-PROJECTS

Naidu calls for fast-tracking projects
Hyderabad, Sep 21 (PTI) Regretting that the country
does not have a good track record in executing projects on
time, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said
execution of projects and programmes needs to be improved.
    "Sadly, our country does not have a good track record
earlier of executing projects on time. This needs to change,
he said, speaking at the Project Management National
Conference here.
    Although transformation must be seen at all levels,
the project managers play a key role and must act as change
agents, he said.
    The 'flash report' published by the Ministry of
Statistics and Programme Implementation in April this year
says more than 25 per cent of large central sector projects
(that cost Rs 150 crore or more) were delayed beyond their
scheduled date of completion, he said.
     "We need to improve the execution of our projects and
programmes. For that, we need to improve the way we plan
projects, manage stakeholders, monitor progress, take
corrective action swiftly and decisively, and develop
future-ready talent with a high-technology quotient," he said.
     The PMI (Project Management Institute) India is part
of a Task Force on Project and Programme Management set up by
NITI Aayog, he said.
     The task force has recommended the setting up of
aNational Policy Framework for Project and Programme
Management, and prescribed global standards and
certifications for project professionals in public projects,
he said.
     TheQuality Council of India is currently working on
the policy framework.
     If implemented, it wouldbe the first time thatthe
Centre would have initiated a formal approach to project and
programme management, he said.
    "I believe this is the right time for such a step. Our
country has embarked on a development agenda that is bold,
ambitious, and at a pace and scale that is unprecedented, he
said.
     Project managers have played a vital role in both
public and private sectors - from infrastructure building to
IT, from telecom to the power sector to healthcare and more,
he said.
     However, to support fast growth across sectors, the
country requires more skilled talent, he said.
     Observing that India is a land of engineering and
architectural wonders that serves as examples of great project
management practices, he said.
     The modern-day India has had several remarkable
achievements that serve as proof of its capabilities, he said,
citing the example of the newly inaugurated Statue of Unity on
the banks of the Narmada, in Kevadia in Gujarat.
     There are many other projects and programmes that
are a matter of great pride for the country, he said.
     He mentioned aadhar, the worlds largest biometric
database, Chandrayaan 1 and 2, the Indian elections, which is
the largest democratic exercise in the world, and the Kumbh
Mela, the largest human gathering in the world to be such
projects.
     In many of the successes the country has achieved,
there is a strong role of the private sector, he said.
     Naidu lauded the Centres move to slash corporate
tax, describing it as a historic decision.
     The World Bank, IMF and others indicated that India
would become third largest economy if it moves with the same
zeal and same reforms.
     There may be temporary setbacks. We have recession
worldwide. Some effect of it is there on India also.
If you carry forward these reforms and then put your heart and
soul and work honestly, nobody will be able to stop India, he
said.
     "I am very happy that yesterday (Friday) the Finance
Minister announced a cut in the corporate tax. Something
historic, a bold move which will stimulate the growth in the
country again, he said. PTI SJR
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(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)