Body to monitor public schemes

The Centre on Thursday decided to create a fresh monitoring mechanism — Independent Evaluation Office — to carry out an “impartial and objective assessment” of public schemes to improve effectiveness of public interventions.

The Centre on Thursday decided to create a fresh monitoring mechanism — Independent Evaluation Office — to carry out an “impartial and objective assessment” of public schemes to improve effectiveness of public interventions.

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The monitoring superstructure — announced in the presidential address to the joint session of both Houses in 2009 — will strengthen ad-hoc monitoring systems at the Planning Commission and ministries.

The IEO will be an independent office attached to the Planning Commission under a Governing Board chaired by the deputy chairman, Planning Commission, a spokesperson said after a cabinet meet chaired by PM Manmohan Singh.
The IEO will also advise the Planning Commission and the implementing agencies in developing appropriate management systems consistent with the evaluation objectives.

Bhopal compensation

The Government cleared release of additional compensation of R71.28 crore for victims of the Bhopal gas leak tragedy.
The Union cabinet, at a meeting chaired by the PM, approved the recommendations of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on the Bhopal gas leak disaster of 1984 in the matter of payment of ex-gratia to the victims.

The approval will facilitate payment of ex-gratia of R5 lakh each to additional 1,703 victims with permanent disability, and R1 lakh ex-gratia to 1,783 persons with temporary disability. The amount will be paid after adjustment of compensation already received by these victims.