GS 2 | Governance 

Why in the news?

  • The Union government launched Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI).

Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)

  • What is it?
    • Measures performance of 2.16 lakh gram panchayats towards achieving Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
    • First such national-level index for local bodies in India.
  • Objectives
    • To monitor the implementation of SDGs at the panchayat level.
    • To aid in the formulation of localized development strategies.
    • Promote data-driven governance and accountability at grassroots level.
    • Enhance convergence among schemes and foster cooperative federalism.
  • Features
    • Themes
      • Poverty-free & enhanced livelihoods
      • Healthy Panchayat
      • Child-friendly Panchayat
      • Water-sufficient Panchayat
      • Clean & green Panchayat
      • Self-sufficient infrastructure
      • Social justice & social security
      • Good governance
      • Women-friendly Panchayat
    • 435 local indicators (331 mandatory + 104 optional)
    • 566 unique data points collected.
    • Panchayats scored on a scale of 0 to 100 and classified into:
      • Achiever (90–100) – None in 2025
      • Front Runner (75–90)
      • Performer (60–75)
      • Aspirant (40–60)
      • Beginner (below 40)

Why Was PAI Formulated?

  • In alignment with UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • SDGs consist of 17 goals, 269 targets, and 231 indicators.
  • Complements the SDG India Index by NITI Aayog (launched in 2018).
  • Push for localisation of SDGs, recognizing Panchayats as key drivers of inclusive rural development.

Coverage and Limitations

  • Total Panchayats in India: 2.55 lakh+
  • PAI covers 2.16 lakh panchayats across 29 States/UTs.
  • Excluded Panchayats:

Findings: 2025 Rankings

  • No Panchayat qualified as Achiever (90+ score).
  • Distribution:
    • Front Runners (75–90): 699
    • Performers (60–75): 77,298
    • Aspirants (40–60): 1,32,392
    • Beginners (below 40): 5,896
  • Top Front-Running States are Gujarat, Telangana, Tripura

Significance

  • Empowers Panchayats to evaluate and improve service delivery.
  • Enables better targeting of schemes based on data.
  • Strengthens India’s efforts toward bottom-up planning for SDG achievement

Source: Indian Express