NPC brings guideline for projects

KATHMANDU, JULY 18:

National Planning Commission (NPC) has introduced the National Monitoring and Evaluation Guideline, which, among others, focuses on pursuing ‘result-oriented monitoring and evaluation practices’ to ensure government-funded projects produce desired outcomes.

The guideline, prepared in consultation with different government bodies and development partners, was introduced upon realisation that many government projects were failing to address people’s aspirations and needs due to ineffective monitoring and evaluation. The guideline also comes at a time when the government has been failing to effectively utilise the budget allocated for development projects.

NPC is all set to circulate the guideline among all the ministries so that they can design their monitoring and evaluation framework based on it.

“We will also ask the concerned ministries to introduce web-based reporting facilities so that local and regional bodies can refer to the guideline and file reports at regular intervals,” a high-ranking NPC official told The Himalayan Times on condition of anonymity.

The guideline, among others, is expected to enhance efficiency in use of budget allocated for state-funded projects. It will also allow government to oversee whether investments are creating a positive impact on livelihoods. “In the end, these changes in monitoring and evaluation practices will help the government achieve higher economic growth rates.”

Currently, various government bodies like the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, NPC, Finance Ministry, National Vigilance Centre, and various regional and local bodies are involved in monitoring and evaluating government-funded projects. But these agencies largely focus on budget utilisation during monitoring and evaluation phases.

“In other words, if a project has used 60 per cent of the budget, we simply say 60 per cent progress has been made,” the official informed. “This is a narrow-sighted approach which does not look into the project’s impact on people’s lives.”

Once monitoring and evaluation get underway based on

the new guideline, the government will measure the direct and indirect impact of the projects on people’s lives, and their sustainability and efficiency

in the use of money allocated for the projects. “We believe such result-oriented monitoring and evaluation will not only help in successfully implementing projects but also in formulating strategic plans and risk management strategies,” the NPC official said.

To achieve these targets, the guideline has prepared various indicators that measure the performance of projects from various aspects. The guideline has also stressed on the need to conduct social audits so that the outcome and expenditures are known to the public.

Also, interviews will be conducted among stakeholders and user groups will be asked to verify reports prepared by consultants. Public hearings will also be conducted so that locals can interact with officials of local bodies during the implementation phase of projects and upon their completion.

“Although many of the measures mentioned in the guideline are being used in selected projects, they are not widespread. With the introduction of the guideline we have standardised these procedures,” the official said, adding, “We believe these measures will make various government agencies more accountable, while instilling a sense of ownership in locals and various stakeholders.”

Source: THT