CPWD burdened with outdated practices: President

Says it should benchmark itself with the best in the world

President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday described the CPWD as "burdened with outdated practices", urging it to evolve into a smart and dynamic organisation.

Speaking at the 160th annual day celebrations of Central Public Works Department (CPWD) here, Mukherjee said "it should benchmark itself with the best in the world".

A government agency under the urban development ministry, the CPWD is responsible for the construction of buildings, roads, among others. It was established in 1854 by the then governor general of British India, Lord Dalhousie.

"It is understandable that old organisations are often burdened with outdated practices. CPWD should evolve into a smarter, more dynamic and highly professional organisation," Mukherjee added.

"The challenge is therefore to become vibrant and enterprising, and respond quickly to the changing external environment," he said.

"I expect no less from a department of CPWD's calibre and capability," he added.

The President underlined the need to adopt best global practices for better efficiency and performance.

"It (CPWD) should go for information technology solutions to attain greater transparency and speed in decision-making," he added.

He said CPWD should focus on areas where innovation and modernisation in the infrastructure sector can lead to accelerated economic development.