Balen Government: Is a Performance Agreement Between Prime Minister and Ministers Necessary?
Photo credit, Sharad KC/BBC
During the Monday meeting of the secretaries of the Government of Nepal, it was decided that all ministries would draft a performance agreement between the Prime Minister and ministers, to be prepared within this week.
In the past, performance evaluation agreements between the Prime Minister and ministers have been made. However, a former administrator expressed surprise at the renewed emphasis on this practice amid changing circumstances, commenting that “current experiences and internal dynamics may not be effective.”
“There is no need for additional performance agreements between ministers and the Prime Minister, as the law already contains key provisions. There is also a legal framework that requires achieving targets determined by the budget. No further agreements are necessary,” stated former Chief Secretary Bimal Koirala.
“If evaluations are needed, reports can be regularly prepared from the relevant departments and submitted to the Prime Minister.”
Journalist and author Haribahadur Thapa, who has written on bureaucracy and good governance, suggests that parliamentary committees can play an effective role in performance evaluation.
“In our tradition and context, secretaries cannot question the work coming from ministers. If parliamentary committees show vigilance, they can hold both the Prime Minister and ministers accountable.”
How is the Evaluation Conducted?
Photo credit, RSS
The secretaries’ meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary on Monday decided to draft a performance agreement between the Honorable Prime Minister and Honorable Ministers. The agreement will cover ministry responsibilities, annual policies and programs, effective budget implementation, and measurable indicators.
All ministries have been instructed to prepare this agreement by 8th of Shrawan 2083 (Nepali calendar) and send it to the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office.
Journalist and author Haribahadur Thapa explains that secretaries hold administrative and financial responsibility within ministries, while ministers are responsible for policy decisions. The performance agreement focuses on the ministry’s progress.
“Once such an agreement is signed, there should be no transfers for at least one year. However, frequent transfers are common here,” Thapa said.
“Before signing the agreement, there should be an evaluation of whether the right person is placed in the right position. On the other hand, when the government talks about progress and integrity but tries to evaluate performance, it seems like a mere show.”
Photo credit, RSS
Former Chief Secretary Bimal Koirala stated that creating a separate unit for objective evaluation of ministerial performance would make the process more efficient.
“Quarterly evaluations would be appropriate, and reporting these to the Prime Minister would facilitate easier assessment,” Koirala said.
“Some projects do not progress rapidly and may take six to nine months for visible outcomes. Since budgets are annual, an overall evaluation at the end of the year is possible. But a lack of initiation or neglect is usually noticeable early on.”
‘Dialogue Is Essential’
Photo credit, RSS
Journalist Haribahadur Thapa believes the ideal performance evaluation is one conducted by parliamentary committees that examine the rationale and basis for every decision.
“This creates checks and balances on government work and encourages public debate. However, our parliament tends to evade scrutiny, with little information disclosure and absence of the Prime Minister, creating additional problems,” Thapa said.
“Additionally, the Prime Minister should hold extensive meetings with secretaries to understand the work of ministries. This tradition dates back to the Panchayat era when even the king would do so. It is another effective method to track ministers’ performance.”
However, Thapa notes that the current government has been trying to work without such dialogues and meetings, which could negatively impact ministry performance.
“Assigning a senior secretary role within the Prime Minister’s Office, giving the Chief Secretary responsibilities for administrative leadership, staff deployment, and evaluation, could have had a positive effect.”
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