Punjab DCs' performance to be judged via RFD

Close on the heels of the proposed Right to Service (RTS) Act, the Punjab government is set to introduce the results framework document (RFD), under which all deputy commissioners (DCs) will have to submit quarterly self-appraisal reports on implementation of various welfare schemes and special efforts for public welfare.

Close on the heels of the proposed Right to Service (RTS) Act, the Punjab government is set to introduce the results framework document (RFD), under which all deputy commissioners (DCs) will have to submit quarterly self-appraisal reports on implementation of various welfare schemes and special efforts for public welfare.

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Under the proposed system, instead of the ACR (annual confidential report), the DCs' self-appraisal reports will be countersigned by the respective divisional commissioner before forwarding it to the chief secretary for appropriate action.

"The implementation of the RFD system is in its final stage. Two former chief secretaries, Rajan Kashyap and Jai Singh Gill, will meet all DCs of the Jalandhar division on Wednesday so that the final draft of the document can be approved for its implementation in the ensuing quarter (July to September)," divisional commissioner SR Ladhar told Hindustan Times.

Ladhar, whose paper on RFD was selected for implementation by the state government, said it was expected that all DCs would file their first quarterly appraisal reports soon.

The new system will ensure accountability of DCs as details of their performance would be accessible online, Ladhar said, adding that RFD was aimed at ensuring good governance and quality public service.

When asked that in case the divisional commissioner made adverse comments on the RFD due to differences with the DC concerned, Ladhar said the latter could contest such remarks if he felt that these were not a true reflection of his performance.

"Special initiatives for public welfare or curbing any social evil will enable DCs to earn extra points in RFD," Ladhar added.

Meanwhile, sources told HT that the proposed RFD contained points such as agreed objectives, policies, programmes and projects to be implemented in a financial year and also the success indicators and targets to measure the progress in achieving these objectives.

The main purpose of RFD is to seek answers to three questions: what are the department’s main objectives for the year; what actions are proposed to achieve these objectives; and how to ascertain the progress made in implementing these actions.

After six months, the results framework as well as the achievements of each department against the performance goals laid down at the beginning of the year will be reviewed by the high-powered committee on government performance, sources said.

A similar practice was introduced by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh when he made setting annual objectives mandatory for several ministries, including defence, home and finance.