SHIMLA -14 Feb 2026-The spokesperson of the State Government said that a one-day Capacity Building Workshop on “Strengthening the Capacity of Nodal Officers to Translate Policy into Performance through Outcome Budgeting” was organized here. The workshop formed part of the ongoing capacity-building series “नीति से परिणीति 2.0”, aimed at strengthening departmental planning systems to ensure effective translation of policies into measurable outcomes. The workshop was organized with the support of the State Transformation Cell (STC) under the State Support Mission of NITI Aayog, in collaboration with GIZ India, as the technical partner.

Delivering the opening address, Advisor Planning Department Dr. Basu Sood emphasized that Outcome Budgeting goes beyond financial formats and represents a shift towards evidence-based governance, strategic planning and meaningful impact. He highlighted the importance of aligning departmental priorities with outcomes that create real improvements in citizens’ quality of life. The workshop featured expert sessions by distinguished speakers.

The spokesperson said that the officers were introduced to international and national best practices in Outcome Budgeting, the Theory of Change and techniques for developing SMART indicators that enable measurable progress. A dedicated segment on NITI for States provided insights into the State Support Mission of NITI Aayog and its role in strengthening state‑level institutional capacities, supporting evidence‑based policymaking and promoting greater alignment between departmental outcomes and state development priorities.

Additionally, focused discussions on data‑driven planning and budgeting highlighted the importance of data quality, data flows and monitoring frameworks to support evidence‑based decision‑making. A practical tutorial on SDG linkage helped participants understand how departmental schemes and outcomes contribute to the State’s commitments to global development goals. Sessions also included an overview of the State Budgeting Process, enabling officers to better understand the architecture of the State Budget and its linkages with outcomes, targets and performance measurement.

Participants engaged actively in discussions and hands-on exercises designed to strengthen their capacities in translating policy intentions into performance results. The workshop highlighted that Outcome Budgeting is not just a financial process but a transformation in mindset moving from “how much we spend” to “what our spending achieves.”

Departments were encouraged to consistently apply these principles in their planning and monitoring activities to ensure that public expenditure becomes an investment in development, ultimately enhancing transparency, accountability and citizen trust.