(a) whether the Planning Commission proposes to hold discussion with various Government Departments in regard to the Independent Evaluation Office which is proposed to scrutinize the implementation of all the flagship programmes;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which a final decision in this regard is likely to be taken?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a) to (c): Yes, Madam. In pursuance of the address made by Honorable President of India to
the Joint Session of both Houses of Parliament on 04-06-2009, it has been decided to establish
an Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) to assess the outcomes and impact of major flagship
programmes. Also, in the 2010-2011 Budget Speech, the Finance Minister has mentioned, “The
Government had announced the setting-up of an Independent Evaluation Office to undertake impartial
and objective assessments of the various public programmes and improve the effectiveness of the
public interventions. It has been decided that it would be an independent entity under a Governing
board chaired by the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission. The IEO would evaluate the impact of
flagship programmes and place the findings in the public domain. It would be funded by the Planning
Commissionâ€.
Inter-ministerial consultations have been held regarding the modalities of setting up of
the IEO. While no time limit has been fixed, the institutional architecture would be put in place
after the approval of the Competent Authority.