New metric included in framework of Governance Observatory: Sania Nishtar
The Governance Observatory aims to review and improve governance systems
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Poverty Alleviation, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar on Wednesday said a new metric was also included in the framework of the Governance Observatory.
“We took a decision that no Ehsaas implementing agency will be allowed to get a post-facto approval on its budget,” she said.
Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired a stock take meeting for the Ehsaas Governance Observatory, says a press release issued here.
The Governance Observatory was established in June 2020 to monitor adherence to the Ehsaas Governance and Integrity Policy, which was approved by the cabinet in November 2019.
The Governance Observatory aims to review and improve governance systems and practices of all four executing agencies which are instrumental in implementing Ehsaas programs and initiatives.
The purpose is to build systems that strongly discourage corruption, and to promote efficiency, transparency and accountability for results and compliance with rules.
All four executing agencies of Ehsaas including BISP, PPAF, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and TVO came to the table together with Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (PASSD), Additional Secretary PASSD, and officials from Ehsaas Delivery Unit.
Under the observatory, semi-annual reviews are conducted to review Ehsaas Governance and Integrity metrics focusing on board efficiency, financial control, risk & compliance, and business operations. Several indicators are tracked in these categories.
The governance observatory dashboard takes stock of the cadence of board meetings to ensure board meetings are held as per statutory requirements.
It also takes stock of the meetings of notified board committees which are mandatory as highlighted in the policy. Internal and external audits are key functions to ensure financial control and transparency.
To this end, there are several audit related indicators being tracked by the observatory to ensure audits are conducted regularly and reports are presented to the board.
The governance observatory also monitors organizational risks and tracks, if appropriate risk mitigation systems are in place. This also includes risks associated with usage of information technology systems, especially data governance.
Moreover, the observatory actively monitors business operations practices to make sure that effective HR policies needed for the functioning of these organizations in place.
