Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) launched Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Portal for FY 2023–24 during a two-day national write-shop in New Delhi. The event also witnessed release of Local Indicator Framework (LIF) Booklet and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for effective implementation.
What is Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)?
- PAI is a multi-domain, multi-sectoral assessment framework to evaluate the developmental progress and governance quality of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs).
- Not merely a data collection tool, but a mechanism to institutionalize transparent, accountable, and performance-based governance at the Panchayat level.
- Aligned with the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
- Collaborators: Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), NITI Aayog, MoSPI, UN agencies (UNICEF, UNFPA), NGOs.
Why was PAI introduced?
- Localize SDGs: Enable grassroots implementation of the UN’s 17 SDGs.
- Evidence-Based Planning: Help identify gaps and prioritize rural development strategies.
- Decentralized Governance: Promote transparency, accountability, and performance through community participation.
- Policy Alignment: Complement NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index for integrated rural progress.
Performance Categories under PAI
| Category | Score Range |
| Achiever | 90 and above |
| Front Runner | 75 to below 90 |
| Performer | 60 to below 75 |
| Aspirant | 40 to below 60 |
| Beginner | Below 40 |
PAI 2.0: Key Improvements over PAI 1.0
| Feature | PAI 1.0 | PAI 2.0 |
| Indicators | 516 | 147 (72% reduction) |
| Data Points | 794 | 227 (streamlined) |
| Coverage | 2.16 lakh GPs | 2.5+ lakh GPs |
| Themes Covered | LSDG-aligned | LSDG-aligned |
| Efficiency | Moderate | Sharper, practical |
Nine LSDG-Aligned Themes in PAI 2.0
- 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
- Women-Friendly Panchayat
Key Features of PAI 2.0 Portal
- Auto-Integration: Pulls data from national portals to reduce manual entry.
- Data Validation: Mechanisms in place to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
- User-Friendly Dashboards: Enhanced visualization for monitoring progress.
- Simplified Interface: Reduces reporting burden and improves data usability.
- Public Display: Encourages Panchayats to display scorecards for transparency.
Significance of PAI 2.0
- Empowers Local Governance: Operationalizes 73rd Constitutional Amendment goals by enabling real-time performance tracking.
- Accelerates SDG Localization: A vital tool for improving India’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) reporting; SDG data availability improved from 55% to 95% in five years.
- Fosters Healthy Competition: Grading system motivates Panchayats to improve performance through benchmarking.
- Promotes Holistic Rural Growth: Aids evidence-based policymaking for inclusive, need-based development at the village level.