The Infrastructure and Project Monitoring Division (IPMD) is a government agency under the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation that is responsible for monitoring central sector infrastructure projects with a cost of Rs.150 crore or more. IPMD performs a triple role as a monitor, initiator of systemic improvements and facilitator in taking up issues with relevant authorities. The agency conducts monitoring activities through the Online Computerised Monitoring System (OCMS) and releases several analytical reports on the implementation status of projects and infrastructure performance.
Project Monitoring
The IPMD is mandated with monitoring Central Sector Projects that cost more than Rs. 150 crore in 16 sectors. Monitoring of the implementation is done through the OCMS and the physical and financial performance is measured on a monthly and yearly basis respectively. The agency brings out a monthly flash report on Central Sector Projects, detailing the projects with time and cost overruns, and a quarterly project implementation status report.
Infrastructure Performance Monitoring
In addition to infrastructure monitoring, IPMD takes stock of the performance of 11 key infrastructure sectors, including Power, Coal, Steel, Railways, Shipping and Ports, Fertilizers, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Civil Aviation, Roads, and Telecommunications. The performance of these sectors is analyzed and reported on a monthly basis through the Review Report on Infrastructure Performance and the Capsule Report on Infrastructure Performance.
Systemic Improvements
IPMD has been instrumental in bringing systemic improvements to better implement projects. The agency has been a facilitator in flagging problems in the periodical review meetings of projects, enabling identification and removal of constraints, appointment of a nodal officer, improved procedure for cost benefit analysis, and delegation of powers at the project level. IPMD has also compiled and released a Project Implementation Manual that captures the latest procedures and guidelines for public sectors.
Training and Support
The IPMD conducts training courses on project management for project managers of PSUs and supports other initiatives in conducting courses, seminars and workshops on project management. The agency also covers delayed projects through site visits and takes up relevant issues with the concerned authorities.
Conclusion
Despite facing staff shortages, the IPMD has been able to meet its annual targets in bringing out reports on a periodic basis. These reports contain project-wise status in detail and describe the reasons for time and cost overruns in an analytical presentation. IPMD serves as a critical agency in monitoring the implementation status of central sector projects and infrastructure performance in India, bringing about systemic improvements and facilitating better project management practices.
