Cabinet Secretariat Rolls Out Administrative Scorecards for Central Government Secretaries
In a significant move to enhance bureaucratic efficiency, the Cabinet Secretariat has introduced "administrative scorecards" for secretaries across the central government. This initiative, first reported by The Indian Express, marks a pioneering step in objectively evaluating the performance of top officials and their departments. The scorecards aim to provide a transparent and fair assessment based on a structured methodology, fostering accountability and improved governance.
Understanding the Administrative Scorecards
The administrative scorecards are designed to assess secretaries and their departments on approximately a dozen parameters, totaling 100 marks. Key aspects include:
- File Disposal: This parameter carries the highest weightage of 20 marks, emphasizing the importance of timely decision-making and reducing pendency.
- Output and Activities: Along with expenditure on schemes and capital expenditure, each holds 15 marks, focusing on operational efficiency and financial management.
- Public Grievance Redressal: Ensuring citizen concerns are addressed promptly is a critical component of the assessment.
- Cabinet Notes and Project Monitoring: Timely submission of Cabinet notes and completion of projects under the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) are also evaluated.
- Negative Marks: The scorecards include 12 negative marks for issues such as excessive expenditure on foreign visits, abnormal file pendency at senior levels, and delayed payments to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Discretionary Marks: A provision for 5 discretionary marks allows the Cabinet Secretary to recognize exceptional contributions or work by a secretary or department.
Cabinet Secretary Dr. T V Somanathan dispatched the initial set of scorecards for September, October, and November 2025 in early January 2026, setting a precedent for regular performance reviews.
Recent Civil Service Reforms and Initiatives
The introduction of administrative scorecards is part of a broader suite of reforms aimed at modernizing India's civil services. Over the past decade, the government has implemented several key initiatives to enhance efficiency and responsiveness.
Mission Karmayogi: Transforming Civil Servants
Mission Karmayogi, officially known as the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building, represents a major overhaul of training mechanisms for government employees. Launched as a landmark reform, it seeks to develop civil servants into citizen-centric, future-ready professionals. Key elements include:
- Capacity Building Commission (CBC): Established in 2021, the CBC provides policy guidance and tools to enhance capabilities across all levels of the civil services.
- Karmayogi Bharat Special Purpose Vehicle (KB-SPV): Formed in 2022, this entity supports the implementation of Mission Karmayogi.
- iGOT Karmayogi Platform: A digital learning portal offering online courses in behavioral, functional, and domain competencies, enabling flexible, anytime-anywhere learning for government staff.
Lateral Entry: Infusing Private Sector Expertise
Lateral entry involves recruiting professionals from the private sector into government roles, typically at joint secretary, director, or deputy secretary levels. This policy aims to bring specialized knowledge and expertise into administrative positions, enriching policy-making and operational efficiency. These roles are crucial, as joint secretaries, appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), serve as administrative heads of departmental wings, driving decision-making processes.
PRAGATI: Pro-Active Governance for Timely Implementation
Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a flagship platform for monitoring projects, schemes, and grievance redressal. It utilizes video conferencing, drone feeds, and data management to facilitate real-time reviews by senior officials, including the Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary. Notable successes include the completion of long-stalled projects like segments of National Highway 8 in Maharashtra, the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam.
The Concept of Good Governance
Underpinning these reforms is the principle of good governance, defined as effective and efficient decision-making processes that prioritize citizen welfare. According to the Good Governance Index Report, this involves resource allocation, establishing formal structures, and setting regulations to achieve public service goals. Annually, Good Governance Day on December 25th promotes awareness of government accountability and administrative excellence among civil servants and the public.
These initiatives collectively aim to create a more responsive, transparent, and efficient civil service, aligning with national development objectives and enhancing public trust in governance.
