Manual for Development Projects - Planning Commission

Chapter-7
7.29 In July, 1978, the Implementation and Progress (I&P) Section of the Planning and Development
Division was re-activated for progress monitoring and a policy letter was issued by the Secretary,
Planning and Development Division in September, 1978 indicating the methodology to be followed for
progress monitoring of major development projects. The main features of the approach were that projects
costing more than Rs 50 million were to be reviewed through field visits (individually or collectively).
The progress monitoring reports prepared by the I&P Section from July, 1978 to June, 1983 proved very
useful in highlighting the specific problems at the project management level and seeking remedial
measures. The institutional arrangements were, therefore, further strengthened with the creation of a
Projects Wing within the Planning and Development Division in November, 1983, specifically to perform
the following four main functions:-
i) Project facilitation/training;
ii) Project monitoring;
iii) Project evaluation; and
iv) Project computerisation.
The approach of the Projects Wing is selective. The Projects Wing monitors about 50 Federal &
Provincial Projects annually. The objective of the monitoring is to resolve difficulties rather than faultfinding.
7.30 The Projects Wing is responsible for ensuring that major development projects are executed as per
approved scope and targets. The Wing despite its best efforts cannot shoulder this responsibility without
the help and cooperation of concerned federal ministry/ division and/or Provincial Government. Project
Directors should send project implementation status to Projects Wing on specified PMES-I proforma and
updated quarterly progress reports on specified PMES-II proforma and indicate problems faced in project
implementation, within 15 days of closing of each quarter. The Wing would computerize information
received on its Management Information System (MIS). It would prepare status report of the project and
make necessary recommendations for resolving problems which are hindering progress. The Projects
Wing would request concerned organizations to resolve issues which are unnecessarily disrupting
progress. If felt necessary, the Wing may also bring the project on agenda of meeting of the Cabinet
Committee on Problematic Projects. This high level meeting is chaired by Deputy Chairman, Planning
Commission, and attended by Federal Secretaries and Provincial Additional Chief Secretaries
(Development). Meetings are held regularly on bimonthly basis to review problematic projects specially
involving foreign aid.
Progress Monitoring Proformae:
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7.31 Special Progress Monitoring (PM) proformae (known as PM-I, II and III) remained in use from
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9/23/2010