In a first, Govt directs offices of ministers: Clear all files pending for over two months

In a rare and bold step, the Central Government has directed all ministerial offices to clear files that have remained pending for over two months. This marks a significant move to speed up decision-making, reduce red tape, and promote accountability across departments.

The Cabinet Secretariat issued the directive earlier this week. It instructed ministries to conduct a full audit of all files delayed beyond 60 days and take immediate action to resolve or escalate them. Each department must send a compliance report by the end of the month.

Government Pushes for Faster Governance

Pending files have long slowed down the machinery of Indian administration. Projects stall, approvals get stuck, and public services suffer. With this move, the Centre aims to address the bottlenecks that have plagued the system for years.

“This is about more than just clearing files,” a senior government official explained. “We want to bring urgency and accountability into the system.”

The directive asks ministries to fix responsibility for delays and set up internal systems to ensure files do not sit idle. The goal is to prevent future backlogs while resolving the current pile-up.

No Room for Inaction

Each ministry has already begun scanning its records. Departments like Road Transport and Urban Development have formed review teams to identify pending matters.

Some files have remained untouched for months, often due to lack of clarity or unwillingness to take responsibility. The new order changes that. Officials must now justify every delay or take swift action to resolve it.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will track the progress of each department. Sources said ministries may face questions from the Cabinet Secretary if they fail to show action.

Breaking the Culture of Delay

Administrative delays are often the result of excessive caution. Officials hesitate to take decisions out of fear or indecision. In many cases, this leads to files being left unresolved for months.

Governance expert Dr. Nandini Sharma welcomed the directive. “This move sends a strong signal. You can no longer avoid action by sitting on files. It forces the system to move forward.”

She added that delay tactics harm citizens most, as services and development programs suffer when files don’t move.

Reinforcing ‘Maximum Governance’

The directive follows the Prime Minister’s long-standing motto of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.” The philosophy supports quick action, better service delivery, and limited bureaucracy.

The government has pushed several reforms to improve efficiency. It has digitized services, reduced paperwork, and opened the door for experts to join top posts through lateral entry. The file clearance order fits within that larger framework.

A senior bureaucrat said, “This is not just cleanup. It’s a warning to avoid complacency and embrace responsibility.”

Boosting Investor and Public Confidence

When government files move quickly, it boosts public trust and encourages private investment. Delays often scare off investors, especially in sectors like infrastructure, health, and technology.

“This step can improve the ease of doing business,” said policy analyst Ravi Prakash. “Quick decisions mean quicker project approvals and fewer regulatory hurdles.”

The timing is crucial. India is targeting high growth and aiming to become a $5 trillion economy. An efficient and responsive government is key to that goal.

Possible Resistance from Within

Despite its benefits, some officials are wary. Resistance to change is natural, especially when new accountability measures are introduced. A retired IAS officer shared, “Some departments may quietly oppose this. But if the PMO monitors progress, the pressure to act will be strong.”

In the past, similar efforts failed due to lack of follow-up. But this time, the top offices will track performance directly, increasing the chances of success.

Next Steps and Long-Term Vision

Experts believe the directive could become a model for state governments. Many states face even more serious delays in decision-making.

Some have proposed a digital public dashboard for file tracking. Such a system could allow citizens to monitor the progress of their applications for pensions, licenses, or subsidies. Transparency and accountability could become the new norm.

For now, ministries are racing against the clock to meet the deadline. If successful, the move may mark a turning point in how Indian governance functions.

The message from the top is clear: no more excuses. Action, not inaction, is the new standard.