Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)
Context
Recently, the data from 2.16 lakh Gram Panchayats across 29 states were assessed under the newly launched Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI). It is a tool to measure the grassroots performance aligned with localized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Relevance:
GS-02 (Governance)
What is the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)?
- Definition: PAI is a multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional index designed to assess the overall development, performance, and progress of Gram Panchayats.
- Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Panchayat’s working towards achieving SDG targets and maintaining rural governance.
- Legal Basis: Panchayats are institutions of self-government established under Article 243B of the Constitution.
Key Features
- Nine Developmental Themes: Though not specified in detail, the themes typically relate to health, education, sanitation, women’s empowerment, livelihood, environment, and digital governance.
- Assessment Coverage: Out of 2.5 lakh Panchayats in India, 2.16 lakh Gram Panchayats were assessed from 29 states.
- Ranking Categories:
- Achiever (0%)— No panchayat qualified in this category.
- Front-Runner—Panchayats nearing the top performance.
- Performer (36%)—Moderate level of development achieved.
- Aspirant (61.2%)—Panchayats needing significant improvements.
Highlights
- No panchayat in India could reach the ‘achiever’ category, showing the need for stronger rural development policies.
- Gujarat emerged as the top performer with the highest number of panchayats in the ‘Front-Runner’ category.
- The majority (61.2%) of the Panchayats fall in the ‘aspirant’ category, indicating early or below-average progress.
Significance
- Helps identify developmental gaps at the grassroots level.
- Encourages competitive federalism at the local level.
- Provides a data-driven tool for policy design and monitoring.
Practice Question
Q. With reference to the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI), consider the following statements:
- It is a multi-sectoral index that assesses Gram Panchayats based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Gujarat has the highest number of Panchayats in the ‘Achiever’ category.
- Article 243B of the Indian Constitution provides for the constitution of Panchayats in rural areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A. 1 and 3 only
