Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal on Sunday, 12 July called on the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to embrace eco-friendly construction practices, accelerate digital transformation, and invest in capacity building as India scales up its public infrastructure ambitions. The minister was speaking at CPWD's 172nd Annual Day celebration held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Key Directions from the Minister

Manohar Lal underscored the centrality of transparency, efficiency, and timely project delivery in government construction work. He introduced the acronym SANKALP — standing for Speed, Accessibility, Nekneeyat, Kartavyanishtha, Adoption of technology, Lokhit, and Pardarshita — as a guiding framework for CPWD's evolution into a future-ready organisation, according to an official statement.

The minister also stressed the need for an efficient and transparent online transfer and posting system, continuous institutional reforms, and proactive preparation to address emerging challenges in the infrastructure sector.

A National Council for Public Works Proposed

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Srinivas Katikithala called for CPWD to adopt a broader national perspective, reinforcing its role as the Union government's premier technical body. He proposed the establishment of a National Council for Public Works — a platform intended to foster excellence, innovation, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and standardisation across the public works sector.

Such a council, he noted, would enable structured collaboration among Central and state government agencies, academic institutions, industry players, and professional bodies.

Awards and Recognitions

Union Minister Manohar Lal presented Director General's Medals, Commendation Certificates, and Certificates of Merit to outstanding officers, officials, and project teams in recognition of exemplary performance and dedication to public service. Awards were also conferred for the Best Completed Projects of the Department.

Certificates were additionally handed to participants who completed capacity-building programmes conducted in collaboration with leading academic and professional institutions — underscoring CPWD's stated commitment to continuous learning.

Digital Initiatives Unveiled

As part of the Annual Day proceedings, Manohar Lal released a set of publications and digital tools, including Technical Publications, Nirman Bharati (CPWD's annual in-house publication), and the newly developed e-NIRMIT ERP Modules. The rollout reflects the department's push toward digital transparency and more efficient project management systems.

What This Signals for Public Infrastructure

CPWD, which executes construction and maintenance of Central government buildings, iconic landmarks, and public infrastructure across India, has been under pressure to modernise. The emphasis on sustainable construction aligns with India's broader climate commitments, while the digital push mirrors Centre-wide efforts to reduce manual bottlenecks in government project execution. The proposed National Council, if constituted, could mark a structural shift in how public works standards are set and monitored at the national level.