In 2020, the efficiency of the execution of state programs, according to the calculations of the Ministry of Economy, almost doubled, to 91.1% against 53.6% a year earlier. Officials associate such an impressive result with the government’s anti-crisis powers to “transfer” budget funds between the activities of state programs, as well as with the allocation of additional money in 2020 for anti-crisis measures. However, for some of the state programs, antiquated restrictions worked in the negative – for example, the closure of theaters and museums did not allow them to fulfill their attendance goals.
The government yesterday summed up the results of the implementation of state programs in 2020. As Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, about 15 trillion rubles were allocated for the implementation of 43 programs, which is about three quarters of budget expenditures. Let us explain that state programs are, in fact, a description of budget expenditures and their relationship with certain strategic goals of the authorities.
Within the framework of the annual report, 41 state programs were assessed – the average assessment of their effectiveness, as follows from the materials of the Ministry of Economy, was 91.1% against 53.6% a year earlier, when 32 programs were assessed. The assessment consists of several criteria, such as, for example, cash execution and implementation of activities, the decisive role in this is played by the achievement of the stated targets. As the head of the Ministry of Economy Maxim Reshetnikov explained, the growth of the indicator is largely due to the anti-crisis powers of the government, which made it possible to “transfer” funds between measures of state programs.
14 state programs were recognized as highly effective – this list has almost tripled compared to last year. Among them is the program of social support for citizens, its effectiveness is estimated at 96.3%. According to Maxim Reshetnikov, social benefits to citizens in connection with the coronavirus played a role in this result. A sharp jump in the efficiency of the state program for the development of the transport system, at the end of 2019 it was recognized as ineffective, and now it is included in the list of highly effective ones. This is connected, however, with the allocation of additional funds for the construction and repair of roads – last year 100 billion rubles were allocated for this.
Above average efficiency was demonstrated by 12 state programs – for example, economic development (93.6%) and health care development (93%). Below the average efficiency of 14 programs is, in particular, the development of the pharmaceutical industry (83.5%) and education (84.2%).
According to Maxim Reshetnikov, many programs have been influenced by covid and restrictive measures. As an example, he cited the state program for the development of culture (76%) – due to the closure of theaters and museums, the indicators for their attendance were not met – and the employment promotion program (81.3%), the implementation of which was influenced by the increase in unemployment. Only one program was recognized as ineffective, and in 2019 it received the same assessment – the development of space activities (75.9%).
It should be noted that state programs are the subject of criticism from year to year – the Accounts Chamber previously recommended making them more concise and clear in terms of separation of project and process management. Making another attempt to improve the efficiency of state programs, at the beginning of the year the Ministry of Economy submitted to the White House proposals on their synchronization with national projects and on increasing their flexibility (see Kommersant of January 29). The department proposed to reduce the number of target indicators and “immerse” national goals in them, divide them into process (current work) and project (achievement of some result) parts, as well as empower specialized deputy prime ministers to “transfer” funds within the project part on analogies with national projects. In addition, it was proposed to recognize state programs as a source of expenditure obligations – on the basis of a “line” in this document, state contracts could be concluded. Now, as the minister said, such a draft government decree “is at the final stage of consideration.”
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