“Unless somebody screams…” Nitin Gadkari Advocates Retirement of Inefficient Officials
Introduction
In a recent address at the Annual National Highways Excellence Award Ceremony, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, highlighted the pressing need for expeditious decision-making within his ministry. He emphasized that files often remain stagnant unless there is external pressure, underscoring the importance of proactive governance in infrastructure development.
Shri @nitin_gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for @MORTHIndia graced the occasion & congratulated the winners of #NHEA2023. He also lauded the remarkable efforts of workers, engineers, officials & organisations who are playing a key role in transforming country’s National Highway network pic.twitter.com/demdsdcCp3
— NHAI (@NHAI_Official) April 15, 2025
Call for Timely Decision-Making
Minister Gadkari pointed out that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has been experiencing delays in processing files, which hampers the progress of highway projects. He stated, “Unless somebody screams, the files do not move in the ministry,” reflecting his concern over the lack of urgency in administrative processes. To address this issue, Gadkari proposed that at least 2% of the ministry’s employees, who consistently fail to make timely decisions, should be retired to ensure efficiency and accountability.
Concerns Over Delayed Bank Guarantees
The Minister also expressed his dissatisfaction with the prolonged delays in returning bank guarantees to contractors. He questioned why officials are taking nearly a year to process these returns, which not only affects the contractors’ financial planning but also slows down the overall project timelines. Gadkari’s remarks highlight the need for streamlined procedures to enhance the efficiency of infrastructure projects.
Land Acquisition Challenges
Another significant issue raised by Gadkari was the backlog of land acquisition cases, with approximately 2 lakh cases pending in the Supreme Court. These delays in land acquisition are a major bottleneck in the execution of highway projects, affecting their timely completion. The Minister emphasized the necessity for expediting these cases to facilitate uninterrupted progress in infrastructure development.
Advocating for Decentralization
In his address, Gadkari also advocated for the decentralization of power within the ministry. He emphasized that distributing responsibilities and empowering officials at various levels can lead to more effective decision-making and project implementation. This approach aims to foster a culture of accountability and responsiveness, which is crucial for the successful execution of highway projects.
Commitment to Infrastructure Development
Despite these challenges, Gadkari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s road infrastructure. Under his leadership, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set ambitious targets, including the construction of 50 kilometers of highways per day. The ministry is also focusing on developing multimodal logistics parks and improving road safety measures to support economic growth and regional connectivity.
Conclusion
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s candid remarks at the National Highways Excellence Award Ceremony underscore the critical need for efficiency and accountability within the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. By addressing administrative delays and advocating for the retirement of non-performing employees, Gadkari aims to streamline processes and accelerate the implementation of vital highway projects across India.