Monitoring and learning assume importance in the context of effective project implementation. It is important because monitoring provides scope for understanding the way the programme is implemented, provides insights into the functional aspects, roles and responsibilities of various actors, develops required data for effective feedback and creates scope for dynamic decision making process. It will observe the patterns of participation by various stakeholders and indicates the emerging trends over a period of time. Realization of the project objectives by implementing the envisaged strategic interventions requires appropriate monitoring systems. They open-up scope for participation by the stakeholders, facilitate democratic decision-making and augment functional transparency. Monitoring system narrows down the gaps between planning and implementation. It indicates effectiveness of planning and monitoring itself over a period of time, (Performance tracking) help us understand the validity and relevance of small systems and functional entities initiated at the grassroots level as part of project interventions. (Institutional tracking).

Monitoring as internal learning process:

While the project is implemented the functionaries may find the need for reviewing the existing implementation processes. Seldom does it require commissioning the need-based or local specific case studies if monitoring is a continuous one. The insights gained from them would enhance Internal Learning processes. A good monitoring system builds-in internal learning processes and contribute for refinement over a period of time. While designing the monitoring system, care is taken to build the mechanisms that incorporate corrective measures as learning experiences. Continuous monitoring with in-built review mechanisms makes the project visible and amenable for corrections. When such corrections are effected, the functionaries gain learning experiences, which help contain future potential blemish.

Steps involved in Monitoring

• Weekly review of all the activities based on the evolved indicators by the Standing Committee on Monitoring (SCM).

• Similarly, the other standing committees will submit the feedback formats every month to the standing committee on monitoring

• The standing committee on monitoring consolidates the formats submitted by the other committees and explains the status of works to TUG. Probable changes and the decisions arrived on various activities will be reported to TUC on six monthly basis.

• The TUC compiles and consolidates the formats as submitted by the Monitoring Committee and prepares a brief reporting format that includes status of progress, tentative changes and new decisions arrived on various activities of the project.

• The report so prepared by the TUC will be the basis for discussion in six monthly review meetings of the TUGs. If there are any changes, it intimates and reports to the Standing Committees. The process continues till the end of the project.