Panchayat Advancement Index
Why in News?
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has introduced the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI), a comprehensive tool designed to assess and enhance the performance of Gram Panchayats (GPs) across India in achieving the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
Important Key Points:
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Objective: The PAI aims to provide a data-driven framework to evaluate the progress of over 2.5 lakh GPs in implementing LSDGs, thereby promoting evidence-based planning and fostering competitive spirit among panchayats.
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Structure: The index encompasses 435 unique local indicators (331 mandatory and 104 optional) across nine thematic areas aligned with LSDGs, including poverty alleviation, health, education, water sufficiency, sanitation, infrastructure, social justice, governance, and gender equality.
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Scoring and Classification: Based on their performance, panchayats are categorized into five grades: A+ (90% and above), A (75–90%), B (60–75%), C (40–60%), and D (below 40%). This classification aids in identifying areas requiring targeted interventions.
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Pilot Implementation: The PAI was initially piloted in four districts of Maharashtra—Pune, Sangli, Satara, and Solapur—where it was observed that 70% of panchayats fell into category C, highlighting the need for focused development efforts.
