Panchayat Advancement Index

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-04-10 08:41:02 | Last Updated by newadmin on 2025-09-10 08:00:09

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In 2025, the Government of India launched the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) to evaluate the progress of over 2.16 lakh panchayats in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative, developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to local governance. The index is designed to assess panchayats based on nine essential SDG themes and to classify them into five categories depending on their performance scores. These categories—Achiever, Front Runner, Performer, Aspirant, and Beginner—help identify the development status of each panchayat and encourage self-assessment and comparison among local bodies.

The index scores panchayats on a scale from 0 to 100. A score between 90 and 100 would place a panchayat in the Achiever category, though notably, no panchayat has yet attained this level. Panchayats scoring between 75 and 90 are labeled Front Runners, followed by Performers with scores from 60 to 75, Aspirants between 40 and 60, and Beginners below 40. The core themes addressed by the index reflect key aspects of rural development. These include efforts toward poverty reduction, improved health and child welfare, water security, environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, social justice, good governance, and gender inclusivity.

Data for the PAI was collected from approximately 2.55 lakh gram panchayats, of which 2.16 lakh from 29 states and Union Territories submitted validated information. The performance of these panchayats is measured using 435 specific indicators that include a mix of mandatory and optional metrics. This comprehensive approach ensures a more accurate picture of ground-level development.

Among the panchayats assessed, 699 qualified as Front Runners, with Gujarat and Telangana contributing the majority—346 and 270 respectively. A large number of panchayats were identified as Performers, numbering over 77,000, while more than 1.32 lakh were categorized as Aspirants. On the other end of the scale, Chhattisgarh accounted for the highest number of Beginners, highlighting the need for targeted development efforts in the region.

The PAI is being seen as a transformative tool for planning and development at the grassroots level. By identifying gaps in service delivery and governance, it allows policymakers to make evidence-based decisions. The initiative also marks a critical step in localizing the SDGs, building on earlier frameworks like the SDG India Index that focused on state and union territory performance.

Looking ahead, the Panchayat Advancement Index is expected to significantly accelerate the pace of sustainable development in rural areas. It fosters healthy competition among panchayats, prompting them to strive for better outcomes. Moreover, it reinforces principles of accountability and transparency, which are essential for strengthening democratic governance at the local level.

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