ADP implementation status

Amid-term review on the progress of ADP implementation has revealed a dismal picture. Only 16 per cent of the financial targets has been met from July to November, 2007. At this rate, it is well-nigh impossible to implement the remainder 84 per cent in the next seven months of the fiscal year. Such an obvious statement, however, may not ruffle seasoned bureaucrats. For, in most years, at the corresponding point in time, the rate of progress on ADP had been rather low -- between 20 and 22 per cent. Of course, this year it has hit the nadir but that is just part of established pattern.
Most of the projects are in tendering process and it is after January 31 that the pace of implementation will pick up -- predictably in a break neck speed. Compressing too much work within such a limited time-span can only lead to compromising on quality and wasteful expenditure. It is likely to spawn corruption.
In hindsight, when the ADP for fiscal 2007-08 was launched in June last year we dubbed it as being ambitious but doable. Our argument was that the ADP having been a political pressure-free product of an interim government, stood a better chance of being implemented. But those expectations seem to have been belied.
The steps taken to ensure implementation of ADP have not apparently succeeded in providing the desired stimulus. It was stipulated that project directors would be appointed for the entire duration of the projects plus six months. Has this been followed? What about the secretaries' committee recommending a process to the advisory council whereby the procurement procedures were to be simplified (without diluting the accountability aspect)?
We know it for a fact that the Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) had been marginalised in the past. Since it ought to play a hands-on role in the present scheme of things, we are hopeful that it is working energetically to exercise its writ.
There is some talk of a possible cut in the ADP expenditure to cope with price increases of fuel and fertiliser. If this comes about, we are possibly in for a reduction in the ADP size.