Partnership Appraisal and Approval Guidelines

The process of assessment will allow consideration of detailed proposals for specified programme activities. This provides the REI with an additional opportunity to consider the proposal objectively, and hence:

1. To assess the feasibility of the proposed activities;
2. To consider the appropriateness of the selected activities in relation to the organisation’s experience, principles, values and priorities;
3. To question whether the costs of the project are reasonable for the expected outcome;
4. To question the assumptions on which a piece of work is based;
5. To question whether the goals and objectives as stated are likely to solve the problem.
6. To question how the project will help REI in achieving its objectives. 

Project Selection Criteria

The project proposed by an interested partner must meet the following criteria.

-    Scalable

Project may be scaled up through-out the state, both from the point of view of economic viability and operational practicability.

-   Achievable

Project plan should be achievable within a given time-frame and within realistic parameters.

-    Replicable

Project can be reasonably replicated in other places and other environments.

-    Sustainable

Project contributes directly to building innovative business models and maintains local knowledge, management capacity, acceptance and buy-in.

-    Resourced

Project is well staffed with quality resources, experts and leadership.

-    Holistic

Project looks across the boundaries of projects and holistically working towards the achievement of wider outcomes.

-    Building Capacity

Project methodology and approach geared towards building capacity and promoting local knowledge and skills transfer.

-    Measurable 

Project identifies measurable outcomes and impact

The proposal submitted must clearly identify the project objectives, strategies, plan of action to meet the objectives, resources and inputs (financial and otherwise) required, measurable deliverables, milestones, time-line and indicators to measure the progress, results and outcomes.

It should also mention how it will contribute to the overall goals of REI and align with other partners and stakeholders to leverage the efforts and resources in favour of REI.

In brief, the proposal must essentially answer the following.

Outcomes: What will be the long-term impact of the project on the education system in Rajasthan?

Outputs: What are the tangible products that the project will produce to achieve these outcomes?

Project Approval

The district level partnership proposals will be reviewed and approved by the District Collector. If the proposal falls within the REI partnership framework, the District Collector may sign the MoU with the partner.

However, the District Collector shall consult the Commissioner/PMU on proposed partnerships and seek guidelines and recommendations. The copies of MoU and periodical reports will automatically be sent to PMU. 

The partnership proposals, which extend to more than one district or to the whole state, will be finalized at the level of Commissioner with the approval of Chairperson of REI Steering Committee. The Commissioner may appoint a committee/person to appraisal the proposal and make recommendations.

The proposals requiring specific policy clearance, e.g., dealing with proprietary rights etc., may be considered and approved at the level of Chairperson, Steering Committee. The PMU will do the necessary follow up in all cases.

The SSA Technical Groups may be asked to provide their comments and recommendation on specific issues related to proposals.