Minimum Government, Maximum Governance - Indian Railways

 

Minimum Government, Maximum Governance 

Backdrop: 

• PM Shri Narendra Modi reiterated this mantra at the World Governments Summit.

• He also elaborated on this vision in a podcast, where he mentioned eliminating obsolete laws and streamlining processes.

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has also mentioned PM Modi's focus on "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" to create a system where administration and good governance are run without unnecessary interference.

• Home Minister Amit Shah also stated that the approach of Minimum Government and Maximum Governance has changed speed and scale of development in the country during the 11 years of the Modi government, 

Meaning & Philosophy

• Core Idea: Reduce unnecessary government interference while improving efficiency and service delivery.
  
  

• Focus: Government should act as a facilitator rather than a controller.
  
  

• Aim: Empower citizens, encourage private sector participation, and use technology to make governance more transparent and accountable.
  
  

Key Features 

• Simplified Regulations – Removal of 40,000+ compliances and ~1600 outdated laws to reduce bureaucracy.
  
  

• Efficiency & Effectiveness – Faster, accountable service delivery and timely policy implementation.
  
  

• Citizen-Centric Governance – Focus on ease of living, accessibility, and responsiveness.
  
  

• Technology & E-Governance – Digital India, UMANG, Aadhaar, DBT for transparent, direct services.
  
  

• Ease of Doing Business – Streamlined clearances, faster approvals, less “inspector raj.”
  
  

• Decentralization of Power – More authority at state, local, and institutional levels.
  
  

• Transparency & Accountability – RTI, online portals, digital monitoring to curb corruption.
  
  

• PPP & Privatization – Private sector handles non-core activities; govt. focuses on policy/regulation.
  
  

• Welfare with Efficiency – Direct subsidy/welfare transfer to beneficiaries via DBT.
  

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Benefits

• Faster decision-making with less bureaucratic red tape.
  
  

• Reduced corruption due to transparency and digital processes.
  
  

• Empowered citizens who receive services directly without middlemen.
  
  

• Encourages entrepreneurship & investment by reducing government controls.
  
  

• Efficient resource utilization by focusing government energy on policy, security, and welfare.
  
  

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Minimum Government, Maximum Governance in Indian Railways

The below table presents how the philosophy of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' is being applied in Indian Railways through various initiatives, with focus on transparency, efficiency, and citizen empowerment.

Policy / Principle	Example in Railways	Outcome / Benefit
E-Governance & Digitalization	E-tendering, FOIS (Freight Ops Info System), e-auction of freight	Transparency, less corruption, faster process
Citizen Empowerment	IRCTC online booking, UTS on Mobile, RailMadad app	Convenience, no queues, real-time grievance redressal
Decentralization & PPP	Station redevelopment (Habibganj, Gandhinagar, upcoming Vijayawada on DBFOT), private Tejas Express	Modern facilities, private investment, govt. focus on regulation
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)	Pension & settlement dues credited directly to bank accounts	No middlemen, timely payments
Digital HR Management	HRMS portal for leave, promotion, service records	Transparency, less paperwork, faster decisions
Automation & Smart Systems	AI-based CCTV, QR feedback, digital station displays	Better passenger services, reduced manpower load
Ease of Doing Business	Online freight booking, simplified rake allotment	Boost to industries, increased freight revenue

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