Monitoring Evaluation & Learning (MEL)/Management Information Systems (MIS)

DAY-NRLM is process intensive and therefore at various levels, it would constantly review, assess and learn from the qualitative and quantitative progress achieved. The primary objective of NRLM’s MEL/MIS framework is to institute a comprehensive system ofevidence-based decision-making process, of both strategic The MEL components are alsoexpected to facilitate evaluation/assessment of the ‘net’ contribution of the Mission towardsrural poverty reduction, livelihoods promotion, empowerment, quality of life and well-being ofthe poor. Given the scale and diversity of the Mission, which is geographically dispersed andinstitutionally decentralized, a comprehensive MEL has been provided with the followingMonitoring mechanisms. In line with the DAY-NRLM guidelines, the following various mechanisms for monitoring are in place –

• Accountability in institutions of the poor includes institutional self-monitoring, peer internal audit of processes and local social audit;
• Management Information System (MIS) based input-output monitoring includes Results framework-based MIS; Milestones linked to investments/inputs; web-based MIS; real time input-output monitoring at various levels; and MIS with partners’ data;
• ICT-framework for dedicated digital grid includes national databases of poor, their institutions, and skill development (jobs/self-employment), national livelihoods portal, communication/knowledge dissemination channels, thematic e-groups etc.
• Internal review mechanisms at various levels –
  • Monthly/quarterly planning/progress/process reporting and internal review;
  • Field visits by staff/officials, periodic visits of supervision teams from SRLM to districts and field, and Theme specific supervision visits from time-to-time;
  • Joint Annual Review, Planning/Supervision Missions at SMMU;
  • Independent Process monitoring;
  • Review and Consultation workshops with various stakeholders; and
  • Meetings of Executive Committees, Governing Bodies, Advisory Groups/ Committees, Convergence Forums, Coordination Committees at various levels
•  External social audit, public expenditure tracking and community score cards
• Knowledge Management & Communications (KMC) objective is to create and manage the systems that will provide project staff and communities with relevant, timely information and facilitate the exchange of knowledge throughout the project system to support:

1. Project objectives and implementation;
2. Forge strategic partnerships;
3. Staff and community learning;
4. Create a brand identity for NRLM; and
5. Advocate for the rural poor and issues related to them

NSRLM customizes communication materials in local languages, as per NRLM’s communication and branding strategy and in consonance with the Annual Action Plan. New communication material in line with the Mission’s communication strategy/action plan is also developed by NSRLM. Communication materials will be packaged into products for sharing with its larger audience and stakeholders, training community professionals and advocating the objectives of the mission. The communication materials will also be parked at repository/digital library for reference as and when required. Making communication products available at one place (State Repository of Knowledge Products) and providing access, is expected to reduce communication barriers and would also increase efficiency of program delivery, improve overall access and insights about the program besides improving the program quality.