IEO to be set up for Assessment of Public Programmes

The Indian Union Cabinet on 18 November 2010 approved the establishment of an Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) to undertake impartial and objective assessment of the various public programmes and improve the effectiveness of public interventions. The Presidential address to the Joint Session of both Houses of Parliament in June, 2009 had specified the establishment of an Independent Evaluation Office to assess the outcomes and impact of the major flagship programmes of the Government of India.

The IEO will be set up as an independent office attached to the Planning Commission under a Governing Board that would be chaired by the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission. It will be funded by the Planning Commission. The IEO will be headed by a full-time Director General (DG) who will enjoy the rank and status like that of Member, Planning Commission. It will have full functional autonomy to discharge its functions. The IEO will also advise the Planning Commission and the implementing agencies in developing appropriate management systems consistent with the evaluation objectives. The findings of the independent evaluation will be reported to the Government of India and also be placed in the public domain.