PIOJ Gets $11 Million for Studies

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) has been allocated an additional $10 million in the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure, now before Parliament, to continue implementation of a project designed to assist persons understand the social effects of the financial crisis.

The project, which commenced in June 2010, is intended to strengthen the capacity and generate knowledge of persons that would form the basis to rationalize social spending and improve effectiveness.

It is envisaged that the engagement will facilitate studies being conducted to determine the impact of the financial crisis on vulnerable groups; undertake a public social expenditure review; and health reform assessment.

Achievements up to December 2014 entailed the completion of several studies. These include: the Public Sector Expenditure Review, and strengthening of the School Feeding Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity, which were dome in 2013; and the Health Reform Assessment, which was completed in 2013. Additionally, an Impact Evaluation Seminar was conducted in 2014.

Several additional studies are earmarked for 2015/16. These include a study on the performance of Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) beneficiaries and learning outcomes, at a cost of $2.3 million; a household expenditure survey – $5.3 million; and another impact evaluation seminar – $2.3 million.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is providing funding for the project, which is scheduled to conclude in June this year.