𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍- 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

It is astonishing that in today’s world, projects still fail due to inadequate monitoring. The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) recently highlighted on the BBS News that numerous ongoing projects in Bhutan are not being carried out properly. This is primarily due to the lack of timely oversight by internal auditors and departmental management. By now, Bhutan should have already activated robust monitoring processes, especially in areas tied to auditing and project implementation.

The essence of monitoring lies in measuring performance against established targets and standards. It is a crucial tool for identifying deviations, making necessary adjustments, and providing feedback to stakeholders on the effectiveness of processes. This feedback loop is critical not only for maintaining quality but also for identifying areas that require improvement. Recognizing the importance of monitoring, the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) has established the Audit Department and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to ensure that these tasks are executed effectively.

These organizations are tasked with paying close attention to ongoing projects through systematic observation, monitoring, and evaluation. Their role is to track and assess the results of interventions throughout the life cycle of a program. This systematic approach helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures that initiatives achieve their intended outcomes. However, as the RAA findings suggest, there is a glaring gap between the establishment of these bodies and the actual implementation of their oversight functions.

The purpose of monitoring is straightforward: to determine whether a project or program is being implemented as designed and achieving its intended results. Good monitoring offers steady direction, enhances performance, ensures transparency, enforces accountability, and provides quality reporting. It helps organizations track their progress against a project’s mission, making it easier to stay on course and make necessary adjustments if the project starts to drift off target. Without such oversight, the risks of failure multiply, as is evident in Bhutan’s current scenario.

Effective project monitoring not only identifies potential issues but also tracks progress and measures outcomes. Through monitoring and evaluation, organizations can assess the effectiveness of their strategies, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that they meet their goals and objectives. However, this can only be achieved by having the right personnel with the requisite skills and expertise. The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) plays a pivotal role in this regard, as it is responsible for appointing and training competent individuals in various departments.

The lifecycle of a project ideally begins with an appraisal to determine its necessity for the nation, followed by impact assessments and feasibility studies conducted by qualified professionals. Once these preliminary steps are completed, the project is implemented under the supervision of skilled professionals on-site. If this systematic approach is followed rigorously, there is little room for failure. Yet, failures persist, largely due to lapses in monitoring and the lack of accountability among concerned stakeholders.

Regular assessments are vital to identify successes and areas where improvements can be made. They ensure accountability by allowing stakeholders to track progress and hold each other responsible for achieving goals. For example, if watchdogs from the concerned departments perform regular assessments, they can catch potential issues early, preventing small problems from snowballing into major failures.

Another factor contributing to project failures is the absence of a culture of responsibility. Too often, individuals and organizations fail to see monitoring as an ongoing, integral part of project management. Instead, it is treated as an afterthought, addressed only when problems arise. This reactive approach is counterproductive and often leads to wasted resources and unmet objectives.

The failure of monitoring also highlights the need for a robust feedback system within the project management framework. Feedback is essential for learning and adaptation. Without it, mistakes are repeated, and opportunities for improvement are lost. Monitoring should not only focus on identifying problems but also on understanding their root causes and implementing solutions. This proactive approach can transform monitoring from a bureaucratic exercise into a dynamic tool for continuous improvement.

Additionally, there is a need to address the human factors contributing to monitoring failures. These include a lack of motivation, inadequate training, and a tendency to cut corners. The RCSC must ensure that individuals tasked with monitoring are adequately trained, motivated, and held accountable for their roles. At the same time, it is essential to cultivate a culture that values diligence, transparency, and accountability.

The repercussions of project failures extend beyond financial losses. They erode public trust in institutions and diminish confidence in governance. In a country like Bhutan, where development efforts are closely tied to national progress and well-being, such failures are particularly detrimental. Citizens expect and deserve transparency, accountability, and the effective use of public resources.

To address these issues, the RGoB and relevant organizations must strengthen their monitoring mechanisms. This includes conducting regular training programs for auditors and managers, implementing advanced monitoring tools, and fostering a culture of accountability. Organizations must also ensure that monitoring is not just a formality but a core aspect of project management.

Project failures in Bhutan can largely be attributed to inadequate monitoring by relevant organizations. The tools, institutions, and frameworks required for effective monitoring are already in place. What is lacking is the commitment to use them effectively. By prioritizing monitoring, fostering accountability, and empowering qualified personnel, Bhutan can significantly reduce project failures and enhance the overall effectiveness of its development initiatives.

Tshering, Thimphu