The Department of Fertilizers, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has been recognized for its performance in data governance, achieving a score of 4.11 out of 5 on the Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI). This ranks it third among 65 Ministries/Departments and second among the 16 Economic Ministries/Departments.
Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI) Survey
The DGQI survey aims to gauge the performance of different Ministries/Departments in executing Central Sector Schemes (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). Conducted by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) under Niti Aayog, the survey instills competition among these bodies while facilitating peer-to-peer learning from best practices. Its major benefit lies in improving the implementation of government policies, schemes, and programs to attain predetermined goals.
Themes and Classifications Within DGQI
Six key themes form the basis of the DGQI: Data Generation; Data Quality; Use of Technology; Data Analysis, Use and Dissemination; Data Security and HR Capacity and Case Studies. Participating Ministries/Departments are classified into six categories as per their roles: Administrative, Strategic, Infrastructure, Social, Economic, and Scientific.
Central and Centrally Sponsored Schemes
The central schemes are separated into two types: Central Sector Schemes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). Central sector schemes are fully funded and implemented by the Central government. They revolve around subjects primarily featured in the Union List such as Bharatnet and the Namami Gange-National Ganga Plan.
Centrally Sponsored Schemes, on the other hand, witness financial participation from both central and state governments. These schemes are further divided into Core of the Core Schemes, Core Schemes, and Optional schemes. Currently, there are 6 core of the core schemes and 22 core schemes, each specifying a certain level of financial participation by states.
Developing Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO)
The DMEO, an attached office under NITI Aayog, was established in September 2015. It’s responsible for improving sustainable outcomes and impacts of the government. With the aim of enabling high-quality monitoring and evaluation of government programs, DMEO enhances effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and sustainability of service delivery.
Monitoring through Output-Outcome Framework
Introduced in the Union Budget for 2019-20, the Output-Outcome Framework represents a significant reform towards outcome-based monitoring. This governance model is a departure from merely tracking physical and financial progress to focusing on measurable outcomes. The DMEO has collaborated with Ministries and Departments since 2017 to develop this framework.
Evaluation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS)
DMEO, under the scope of NITI Aayog, is entrusted with conducting independent third-party evaluations of all CSS within a limited time frame. This ensures that the results of the evaluation are submitted to the concerned authorities in time for determining the rationalization of the schemes.
