In a first-of-its-kind exercise, the Centre has assessed ministries and departments on key administrative parameters, including disposal of files, handling of public grievances and timely responses to
Cabinet notes.
The rankings were presented by Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan during a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
According to a report by The Times of India, the initiative was undertaken to improve accountability within ministries and push for faster decision-making and grievance redressal.
” … There was no overall ranking of ministries on all the parameters put together. The PM instructed all ministers and officers to fast-track decision making for public good and there is room for any delay or lethargy in taking quick action,” TOI quoted an official as saying.
Reports said the ministries of consumer affairs, coal, power and health performed strongly across various categories assessed during the review.
The evaluation was based on ministries’ performance during 2025, with departments being ranked separately under different administrative indicators.
As per a Hindustan Times report, the consumer affairs ministry emerged as the best performer in grievance resolution and in managing issues linked to the West Asia conflict. The coal ministry received top ratings in file clearance and administrative management, while the power and health ministries were also among the better-performing departments.
Following the presentation, several ministers reportedly held review meetings with their officials, while others are expected to conduct similar discussions next week to identify bottlenecks and improve functioning.
During one such meeting, Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reportedly directed officials to ensure that farmers and economically weaker sections do not face unnecessary difficulties in resolving their issues. He also emphasised that grievance redressal should remain the highest priority.
The Council of Ministers meeting held on May 21 was attended by Cabinet ministers, ministers of state (independent charge), and ministers of state. The nearly 4.5-hour-long meeting focused on governance reforms, ease of living and the roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047.
It was the first meeting of the Council this year.
During the discussions, PM Modi stressed that governance should aim to make citizens’ lives easier and asked ministers to ensure that welfare schemes reach the maximum number of beneficiaries.
“Viksit Bharat 2047 is not just a slogan; it is our commitment,” the Prime Minister said.
He also urged ministries to speed up decision-making, avoid unnecessary delays in processing files and simplify administrative procedures while prioritising reforms.
