NILRED team meets RDD Minister Arun Upreti to assess impact of DISHA monitoring system

A four-member team from the National Institute of Labour Economic Research and Development (NILRED) called on the Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and Cooperation Departments, Shri Arun Kumar Upreti, at his chamber in the Tashiling Secretariat today.

The purpose of the meeting was to conduct an impact assessment of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) monitoring system in Sikkim. The NILRED team, led by Dr. Smarajit Chakraborty, was accompanied by the Additional Director of the Rural Development Department (RDD) and the Chief Executive Officer of the Sikkim Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM).

The meeting witnessed in-depth discussions on the current implementation of DISHA — a digital platform designed to improve coordination and oversight of central schemes at the district level. The team exchanged insights on how data-driven monitoring can accelerate grassroots development and improve accountability.

Minister Arun Upreti highlighted the importance of timely execution and real-time monitoring of various rural schemes. He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening transparency and ensuring that development schemes reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently.

“Effective implementation and constant review are key to achieving the goals of any development programme,” said the Minister during the interaction. He also assured the NILRED team of full cooperation and data support from the Department for the impact assessment study.

The NILRED team, in its observations, appreciated Sikkim’s proactive approach to scheme monitoring and governance. They noted that Sikkim has emerged as one of the top-performing states in terms of rural development and transparency under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.