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 ) 

PIB

 

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Russian parliament passed a bill to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

Interstellar space and Interstellar Probes ( Voyager and New Horizons Missions )

ISRO developing semi-cryogenic engine working on LOX Kerosene propellant