Description

In a significant move to strengthen grassroots governance, the Government of India introduced the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) in 2025. This comprehensive ranking framework evaluates the developmental performance of over 2.16 lakh panchayats across the country, with a strong focus on aligning local governance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the index promotes transparency, evidence-based planning, and enhanced accountability at the local level.

Understanding Panchayat Advancement Index

The PAI scores panchayats on a scale from 0 to 100, categorising them into five performance bands:

• Achiever: 90 – 100

• Front Runner: 75 – 90

• Performer: 60 – 75

• Aspirant: 40 – 60

• Beginner: Below 40

This system allows panchayats to evaluate their own progress, identify developmental gaps, and benchmark against peers, encouraging healthy competition and targeted improvements.

Nine Core Themes Of PAI

PAI assesses performance across nine critical SDG-aligned themes that cover essential aspects of rural life and governance:

• Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods

• Healthy Panchayat

• Child-Friendly Panchayat

• Water Sufficient Panchayat

• Clean and Green Panchayat

• Self-Sufficient Infrastructure

• Socially Just and Secure Panchayat

• Good Governance

• Women-Friendly Panchayat

Data Collection And Methodology

The data used in the PAI was gathered from 2.55 lakh gram panchayats, out of which 2.16 lakh from 29 States and Union Territories submitted validated datasets. The evaluation relies on 435 unique local indicators, comprising both mandatory and optional metrics, ensuring a well-rounded and data-driven assessment.

Performance Highlights

• 699 panchayats achieved the Front Runner status. Gujarat led the tally with 346 panchayats, followed by Telangana with 270.

• 77,298 panchayats were ranked as Performers.

• 1,32,392 fell under the Aspirant category.

• No panchayat reached the highest “Achiever” rank.

• Chhattisgarh had the largest number of panchayats in the Beginner category, highlighting areas needing urgent attention.

PAI Matters

The PAI serves as a strategic planning tool for rural development. It empowers local governments to:

• Identify priority areas for intervention

• Formulate data-backed policies

• Benchmark against peers to drive growth

By encouraging transparency and accountability, the index is seen as a critical mechanism in India’s SDG localisation journey, building on past frameworks like the SDG India Index for states and UTs.

Looking Ahead

With the implementation of the Panchayat Advancement Index, local bodies are better equipped to address community needs, close developmental gaps, and accelerate progress towards SDG goals. The index is expected to foster a culture of performance-based governance and spur continuous improvements at the grassroots level.

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