Introduction of INEGI’s Role in Social Policy Evaluation
The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) is preparing to conduct its first-ever evaluation of Mexico’s social policy by the end of this year. This responsibility was taken over from the National Council for Evaluation of Social Development Policy (CONEVAL) as per the secondary laws related to the Social Development Law. Graciela Márquez Colín, INEGI’s president, announced this development during a meeting with the media.
INEGI’s Focus on Policy Evaluation
According to Márquez Colín, INEGI is currently working on the conceptual framework for evaluating social policy. Meanwhile, the evaluation of individual social programs will be handled by the Secretariat of Public Finance and Credit (SHCP).
INEGI aims to complete the social policy evaluation between August and September of this year. Márquez Colín explained that under the current legal framework, social programs are evaluated by units within the Subsecretariat of Public Finance and Credit. INEGI will conduct an integral evaluation of social policy, focusing on the overall logic and framework.
Historical Context of Social Policy Evaluation in Mexico
Márquez Colín pointed out that, traditionally, Mexico has evaluated individual social programs rather than the overall social policy. She also mentioned that there is currently an “overemphasis” on program evaluations.
She further explained that the upcoming evaluation in 2026 will be unique because it won’t involve a large-scale, massive assessment. Instead, the focus will be on regular program monitoring, allowing for internal reviews of various aspects.
Allocation of Federal Budget 2026
The Secretariat of Public Finance and Credit (SHCP) has projected a historic expenditure of 10.1 trillion pesos for the current fiscal year, with 987.16 billion pesos allocated to priority social programs.
These priority programs include the Pension for Well-being and Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro, among others. The SHCP stated that the 2026 budget policy will support a development model with well-being, ensuring social rights and promoting investment with a shared prosperity focus.
Under criteria of fiscal responsibility, resources will be prioritized towards social programs, strategic infrastructure, and essential services such as healthcare, education, nutrition, housing, and security. The aim is to reduce structural inequalities and create conditions for social justice.
Key Social Programs and Their Funding
The Pension for Well-being for the Elderly will receive the largest share of funds, with an approved budget of 526.508 billion pesos, followed by the Benito Juárez Scholarship Program with an estimated expenditure of 184.595 billion pesos for the current year.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is INEGI’s role in evaluating Mexico’s social policy? INEGI will conduct an integral evaluation of the overall social policy, focusing on its conceptual framework and logic.
- Why is the 2026 evaluation unique? Unlike previous evaluations that focused on individual programs, the 2026 assessment will concentrate on regular program monitoring and internal reviews.
- What is the projected expenditure for social programs in 2026? The Secretariat of Public Finance and Credit (SHCP) has projected a historic expenditure of 10.1 trillion pesos for the current fiscal year, with 987.16 billion pesos allocated to priority social programs.
- Which social programs will receive the most funding in 2026? The Pension for Well-being for the Elderly will receive 526.508 billion pesos, and the Benito Juárez Scholarship Program will receive 184.595 billion pesos.
