The Panchayat Advancement Index ( PAI )
The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) is a Multi-domain
and multi-sectoral index that is intended to be used to assess the overall
holistic development, performance & progress of panchayats. The Panchayat
Advancement Index takes into account various socio-economic indicators and
parameters to gauge the well-being and development status of the local
communities within the jurisdiction of a panchayat. The index typically
considers factors such as:
- Infrastructure : Availability of basic amenities like roads, electricity, water supply,
sanitation facilities, etc.
- Health and Education : Access to healthcare services, educational institutions,
literacy rates, and enrollment in schools.
- Economic Indicators : Income levels, employment opportunities, agricultural
productivity, and economic activities.
- Social Indicators : Poverty rates, gender equality, social inclusion, and overall quality
of life.
- Governance and Administration : Efficiency and transparency of local governance, delivery of
public services and citizen participation.
- Environmental Sustainability : Measures related to ecological balance, conservation, and
sustainable practices.
The Panchayat
Advancement Index shall provide public representatives, policy makers,
government agencies, and local authorities with valuable insights into the
areas that require attention for improvement within the rural areas under the
jurisdiction of the panchayats. It helps in identifying disparities,
achievement of development goals, and formulating targeted policies and
interventions to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of rural
communities. The specific indicators and weights used in calculating the
Panchayat Advancement Index can vary based on the goals and priorities of the
governing body or organization that develops and utilizes the index.
While PAI Version 1.0 served as the baseline and covered
data from 2.16 lakh Gram Panchayats across 29 States/UTs, PAI Version 2.0
represents a major leap forward in functionality, efficiency, and
usability. The transition from PAI 1.0 to 2.0 reflects a focused
refinement of the framework, with a sharper and more practical set of
indicators and data points to improve usability and reliability while retaining
thematic comprehensiveness.
Comparison of PAI 1.0 and PAI 2.0:
Element |
PAI
1.0 |
PAI 2.0 |
Indicators |
516 |
147 (72% reduction) (rationalized for sharper focus and better data quality) |
Data Points |
794 |
227 (streamlined for efficiency and clarity) |
The revised framework not only reduces the reporting
burden but also improves data quality and reliability. The nine LSDG-aligned
themes include: Poverty-free and Enhanced Livelihoods Panchayat, Healthy
Panchayat, Child-Friendly Panchayat, Water-Sufficient Panchayat, Clean and
Green Panchayat, Panchayat with Self-Sufficient Infrastructure, Socially Just
and Socially Secured Panchayat, Panchayat with Good Governance, and
Women-Friendly Panchayat.
This Writeshop includes live demonstrations, technical
walkthroughs, and hands-on exercises on portal configuration, data flow and
validation. Day two will feature presentations from States and UTs on field
experiences from PAI 1.0 and how they plan to utilize PAI 2.0 to enhance local
planning and governance. It has brought together over 250 participants from 32
States/UTs, senior officials from relevant Ministries/Departments,
representatives from Panchayati Raj Departments /Institutions/ SIRD&PRs of
States/UTs, and technical and knowledge partners including NITI Aayog, MoSPI,
National Informatics Centre (NIC), UNICEF, UNFPA, Transform Rural India (TRI),
and the Piramal Foundation.
The Panchayat Advancement Index ( PAI )
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