Exclusive: Union Secretaries Now Receive Performance Scorecards from Cabinet Secretariat

In a significant administrative reform, the Cabinet Secretariat has introduced comprehensive performance scorecards for Union Secretaries across the Central government. These administrative scorecards provide detailed assessments of both individual Secretaries and their respective departments across approximately a dozen key parameters, with a total scoring system of 100 marks that includes provisions for both negative and discretionary marks.

Implementation and Timeline

The first set of these administrative scorecards was distributed by Cabinet Secretary Dr. T.V. Somanathan during the initial week of January 2026. These inaugural evaluations covered performance during the months of September, October, and November of 2025. This initiative represents a pioneering approach to measuring bureaucratic efficiency and accountability within India's governance framework.

Scoring Parameters and Weightage

The scorecards employ a sophisticated scoring system with specific weightage assigned to various administrative functions:

File Disposal (20 marks): This parameter carries the highest weightage, emphasizing the importance of timely decision-making and administrative processing.
Output and Activities (15 marks): Measures the substantive work and initiatives undertaken by departments.
Expenditure on Schemes and Capital Expenditure (15 marks): Evaluates financial management and implementation of government programs.

Additional parameters include public grievance redressal, preparation of Cabinet notes, timely completion of projects monitored by the Project Monitoring Group (PMG), and prompt disposal of bills by Pay and Accounts Offices (PAO) and Chief Controllers of Accounts (CCA).

Negative and Discretionary Marks System

The scoring framework incorporates a unique system of negative marks totaling 12 points, which can be imposed for specific deficiencies:

Excessive expenditure on foreign visits or official events
Abnormal pendency of files at the Secretary level and above
Delayed payments to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

Conversely, the scorecards provide for 5 discretionary marks that the Cabinet Secretary can award for exceptional work or significant contributions by a Secretary or department. This balanced approach ensures both accountability for shortcomings and recognition for outstanding performance.

Background and Rationale

This initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's repeated emphasis on eliminating administrative delays and enhancing governance efficiency. The scorecard system aims to objectively assess administrative performance using a fair and transparent methodology that allows for both absolute and relative comparisons.

In his communication to Secretaries, Cabinet Secretary Somanathan emphasized that "the fact that something cannot be measured with perfect accuracy does not mean that it should not be measured at all." He drew parallels to the Civil Services Examination system, which compares candidates from diverse academic backgrounds, noting that "the public and the government expect results, not excuses."

Comparative Analysis and Feedback Mechanism

These administrative scorecards will facilitate performance comparisons across departments while also tracking individual departmental progress over time. The Cabinet Secretariat has actively sought feedback and suggestions from Secretaries regarding the new evaluation system, indicating a collaborative approach to refining the assessment framework.

Evolution of Performance Monitoring

This initiative builds upon previous administrative reforms introduced by the Modi government. In 2024, the Cabinet Secretariat enhanced the traditional practice of monthly demi-official letters from Secretaries by incorporating ministry-specific quantitative performance indicators.

The scorecard system complements existing platforms like PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), the flagship mechanism for fast-tracking projects, schemes, and grievance redressal through direct, real-time reviews by the Prime Minister in collaboration with States and Union Ministries.

This comprehensive performance evaluation framework represents a significant step toward data-driven governance and enhanced administrative accountability within India's bureaucratic structure.