First Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) Report Released – Gujarat & Telangana Lead

In a landmark initiative to evaluate and encourage grassroots governance, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has unveiled the first-ever Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) baseline report for FY 2022–23. The index provides a data-driven framework to assess the performance of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) based on nine Localized Sustainable Development Goal (LSDG) themes. This pioneering step aims to promote evidence-based planning and enhance developmental accountability at the Panchayat level. Gujarat and Telangana have taken the lead with the highest number of “Front Runner” Panchayats, signaling robust rural governance and progress.

Key Highlights of the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)

Purpose of PAI

• To measure the developmental performance of Gram Panchayats.
• To enable data-driven planning and decision-making at grassroots level.
• To promote competitive and inclusive rural governance.

Coverage and Data Validation

• Total Gram Panchayats: 2,55,699
• Panchayats with validated data: 2,16,285
• Data validated by respective States and UTs.
• Data from 5 States/UTs (Meghalaya, Nagaland, Goa, Puducherry, West Bengal) excluded due to pending validation.

Performance Classification (based on validated entries),

• Front Runners: 699 GPs (0.3%)
• Performers: 77,298 GPs (35.8%)
• Aspirants: 1,32,392 GPs (61.2%)
• Beginners: 5,896 GPs (2.7%)
• Achievers: 0 (No GP attained this top rank in the first round)

Top Performing States (Front Runner GPs)

• Gujarat: 346 Front Runner Panchayats
• Telangana: 270 Front Runner Panchayats
• Followed by: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh

States with Majority of Aspirant Panchayats

1. Bihar
2. Chhattisgarh
3. Andhra Pradesh

Assessment Framework

• Based on 9 LSDG Themes aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.
• Includes 435 performance indicators drawn from the National Indicator Framework (NIF) developed by MoSPI.

Nine LSDG Themes

• Poverty-free and enhanced livelihoods
• Healthy Panchayat
• Child-friendly Panchayat
• Water-sufficient Panchayat
• Clean and green Panchayat
• Self-sufficient infrastructure
• Socially secured Panchayat
• Good governance
• Women-friendly Panchayat

Data Collection Mechanism

• Through a multilingual online PAI Portal: www.pai.gov.in

Significance of PAI

• Helps identify gaps in development at the Panchayat level.
• Aids in formulating Strategic Development Plans (SDPs).
• Promotes competitive spirit among Panchayats.
• Supports state and national-level policy planning.