Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to common questions about the Monitoring & Evaluation Cell, Planning & Development Board, Government of Sindh.
The M&E Cell is a specialized unit within the Planning & Development Department. Its primary role is to systematically track the performance and assess the impact of various development projects, programs, and policies initiated by the Government of Sindh. We ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that projects achieve their intended results for the benefit of the citizens.
Monitoring is the continuous process of tracking the progress of a project or development scheme. It focuses on day-to-day activities, timelines, and outputs to ensure the project is on track.
Evaluation is the periodic assessment of a project’s overall performance and outcomes. It checks whether the objectives were achieved, the impact on the community, and the effectiveness of the resources used.
Our key functions include: Developing M&E frameworks, manuals, and guidelines for the government. Tracking the physical and financial progress of development projects. Conducting field visits and third-party validations. Evaluating the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of development schemes. Reporting findings to the relevant authorities for informed decision-making. Building M&E capacity within other government departments.
Our reports are primarily for:
• The Chief Minister, the Provincial Cabinet, and the Chief Secretary.
• Senior management of the Sindh Government, including Administrative Secretaries of various line departments and the Project Directors.
• Development partners and donors (i.e. World Bank, ADB etc.).
• The General Public (through published summaries and reports).
Yes. As per the Sindh Government's policies and guidelines, all development projects approved and funded by the government must have a built-in M&E framework and are subject to monitoring by the P&D Department's M&E Cell.
Line departments are required to submit Monthly or Quarterly Progress Reports (MPRs/QPRs) detailing physical progress, financial disbursements, and key achievements. They also provide Annual Development Program (ADP) Reviews, offering a comprehensive overview of project performance for the fiscal year. Additionally, departments supply data as requested for specific evaluations or studies and respond to queries and findings raised in M&E reports.
If a project consistently underperforms, it is brought to the attention of the senior management of the concerned line department, along with a recommendation to conduct a departmental enquiry to fix responsibility and implement corrective measures. Where necessary, such underperforming projects are also reported to higher authorities of the Sindh Government, relevant accountability institutions, and the anti-corruption department. In more serious cases, recommendations are made to restructure, suspend, or terminate the project to ensure proper use of public resources and the effective delivery of development outcomes.
We use a range of tools to monitor and evaluate development projects effectively. These include analyzing Monthly and Quarterly Progress Reports & financial statements, conducting physical verification of project sites & assets, quality verification using modern monitoring equipment, and utilizing digital platforms such as the Sindh M&E Dashboard for real-time data collection. Additionally, independent firms are engaged for third-party validation. The stakeholders including beneficiaries, community members & project staff are also consulted to gather practical insights.
We conduct several types of evaluations to ensure effective project implementation. These include Mid-Term Reviews to assess progress and recommend adjustments, End-of-Project Evaluations to measure overall achievements and sustainability, Impact Evaluations to determine the causal effect of a project on its objectives, and Thematic or Sectoral Evaluations to examine performance within specific sectors, such as education or health.
To promote public awareness & access to information, summarized versions of major M&E reports, annual performance reviews, and updates on key flagship initiatives are regularly published on the official website of the Planning & Development Department, Government of Sindh. Continuous efforts are also underway to enhance public access, ensuring transparency and keeping citizens informed about the progress and outcomes of development projects.
The Citizens can report grievances or specific issues related to any development scheme through the relevant line department, such as Education, Health, or Works & Services etc. For significant public concerns brought to our attention, the M&E Cell may also conduct a special monitoring visit to verify the issue and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
Requests for data are considered on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with government data-sharing policies and confidentiality guidelines. Researchers or students interested in accessing data should submit a formal proposal detailing their study objectives and specific data requirements.
To maintain objectivity and credibility, the M&E Cell may engage independent third-party firms to validate the progress and quality of high-value or critical projects, in accordance with government policies and procedural guidelines for third-party verification (TPV). This approach provides an unbiased assessment of the ground realities.
Please contact the designated Deputy Director, Assistant Director or concerned Regional Monitoring & Evaluation Officer within the M&E Cell. A contact list is available on our website.