New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, on Sunday emphasised the need to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable construction practices, promote modern and emerging technologies, strengthen capacity building and accelerate digital transformation in public infrastructure development.

Speaking at Central Public Works Department’s (CPWD) 172nd Annual Day celebration at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Manohar Lal appreciated CPWD’s contribution to nation-building and highlighted the importance of transparency, efficiency and timely project execution.

He also underscored the need for an efficient and transparent online transfer and posting system, continuous institutional reforms, and preparing the Department to effectively address future challenges in the infrastructure sector.

The Union Minister shared the mantra of Speed, Accessibility, Nekneeyat, Kartavyanishtha, Adoption of technology, Lokhit, Pardarshita (SANKALP) to guide CPWD’s journey towards a future-ready organisation, an official statement said.

Srinivas Katikithala, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary, highlighted the need for CPWD to adopt a broader national perspective in public infrastructure development by further strengthening its role as the Union government’s premier technical organisation.

He underlined the importance of establishing a National Council for Public Works to serve as a national platform for promoting excellence, innovation, knowledge sharing, capacity building and standardisation in the public works sector.

He said that such an institutional mechanism would facilitate collaboration among Central and state government agencies, academic institutions, industry and professional bodies, the statement said.

The Union Minister also presented Director General’s Medals, Commendation Certificates and Certificates of Merit to outstanding officers, officials and project teams in recognition of their exemplary performance, dedication and excellence in public service.

Awards were also presented for the Best Completed Projects of the Department, the statement added.

As part of the celebrations, certificates were presented to participants who successfully completed capacity-building programmes conducted in collaboration with leading academic and professional institutions, reinforcing CPWD’s commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence.

Union Minister Manohar Lal also released publications and digital initiatives of the Department, including Technical Publications, Nirman Bharati (the annual in-house publication of CPWD), and the newly developed e-NIRMIT ERP Modules, reflecting CPWD’s commitment to digital transformation, transparency and efficient project management.

–IANS

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