Online system for annual performance of ITS officers started

The commerce ministry today launched an online system for annual performance appraisal report - SPARROW-ITS - for trade service officers.
The ministry said that SPARROW-ITS (Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window) would enable the Indian Trade Service (ITS) officers to fill their performance report online for the year 2016-17 onwards.
The annual performance appraisal reports (APARs) would be generated and transmitted online to the concerned officers for filling up of the self appraisal.
"The officer can then submit the self appraisal online through Digitally Signed Signature or through e-sign," it said in a statement.
It added that the subsequent processes of reporting and reviewing would also be done online by the reporting and reviewing officer.

Timelines have been drawn up for each stage of the process.

"The entire process of filling up of APAR would have to be completed by 31st December and no remarks can be added after that date," it added.
It said the idea to switch over from manual to online system is to ensure ready access of APAR dossier by the authorised users, preventing loss of APARs in transition, address the issues of ante-dating, remarks recorded by the reporting authorities without dates.
"This is another step towards Digital India in the government," the statement said adding the 150 officers of ITS would be benefited by timely promotions and all other benefits dependent upon the evaluation of their reports.