Strengthening grassroots governance, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and NITI Aayog, launched the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Portal on Monday at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The launch marked the commencement of a two-day National Writeshop on PAI Version 2.0 for FY 2023–24, attended by over 250 participants from 32 States and Union Territories, senior government officials, and representatives from organisations such as UNICEF, UNFPA, Transform Rural India (TRI), and the Piramal Foundation.
The event was graced by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; Shri Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI; Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; and Shri Rajib Kumar Sen, Senior Advisor, NITI Aayog. Alongside the portal launch, the Local Indicator Framework (LIF) Booklet for FY 2023–24 and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for PAI 2.0 were also released, providing a comprehensive roadmap for its implementation.
Vision for Transformational Governance
In his inaugural address, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj emphasised the transformative potential of PAI 2.0 in enabling over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats to systematically evaluate and enhance their performance across critical governance and service delivery areas. Aligning the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Aspirational Districts and Blocks, he stated, “We must now take that spirit forward in our Panchayats. When we record accurate data, we do not merely count; we contribute to the nation’s transformation.”
Bharadwaj underscored that PAI 2.0 is more than a data collection tool—it is a mechanism to institutionalise transparent, accountable, and performance-driven governance at the Panchayat level. He urged ground-level functionaries to ensure accurate data entry on the PAI 2.0 portal. “PAI data serves as the bedrock for equitable development, transparency, and participatory governance,” he said, encouraging Gram Panchayats to display their PAI scorecards prominently at GP Bhawans to foster public participation and accountability.
Data-Driven Framework for Viksit Bharat
Shri Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, delivered a keynote address, commending the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for developing a robust, evidence-based platform aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Highlighting India’s progress in SDG data availability—from 55% to nearly 95% over the past five years—he noted, “PAI 2.0 embodies the spirit of ‘Measure what we treasure and treasure what we measure’.” Garg emphasised that the framework’s improved standardisation, harmonisation, and visualisation capabilities advance India’s goal of inclusive, outcome-oriented governance. He added that PAI 2.0 will serve as a cornerstone for achieving Viksit Bharat through a bottom-up, participatory approach, acting as a benchmark for multiple national indicators.
Shri Rajib Kumar Sen, Senior Advisor, NITI Aayog, described PAI 2.0 as a critical bridge linking local efforts to national and global commitments. He highlighted its alignment with the SDG India Index and its role in preparing India for future Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) at global forums. “The thoughtful design of PAI 2.0 enables local institutions to assess the real-time impact of various schemes, making it a vital tool for sustainable development,” Sen remarked.
Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, reiterated the government’s commitment to data-backed planning and monitoring. “PAI 2.0 equips Panchayats with practical tools to assess their progress, identify gaps, and plan meaningfully, fostering a culture of healthy competition and continuous improvement,” he said.
PAI 2.0: A Refined and Streamlined Framework
The Panchayat Advancement Index is a multidimensional assessment framework designed to track the performance of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across nine themes aligned with the Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs). These themes include:
• 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
While PAI Version 1.0 served as a baseline, covering data from 2.16 lakh Gram Panchayats across 29 States/UTs, PAI 2.0 introduces significant improvements in functionality, efficiency, and usability. The revised framework reduces the reporting burden while enhancing data quality and reliability. Key differences between the two versions include:
• Indicators: Reduced from 516 in PAI 1.0 to 147 in PAI 2.0 (a 72% reduction) for sharper focus and better data quality.
• Data Points: Streamlined from 794 to 227 for improved efficiency and clarity.
This rationalisation ensures that PAI 2.0 retains thematic comprehensiveness while making the framework more practical and user-friendly for Panchayats.
National Writeshop: A platform for collaboration
The two-day National Writeshop serves as a platform for capacity building and knowledge sharing. Day one featured live demonstrations, technical walkthroughs, and hands-on exercises on portal configuration, data flow, and validation. On the second day, States and UTs will present their field experiences with PAI 1.0 and outline strategies for leveraging PAI 2.0 to enhance local planning and governance.
The event brought together representatives from Panchayati Raj Departments, State Institutes of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PRs), and technical partners, including the National Informatics Centre (NIC). Collaborative efforts with organisations like UNICEF, UNFPA, TRI, and the Piramal Foundation underscore the initiative’s inclusive approach.
Holistic Rural Development
The launch of the PAI 2.0 Portal marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward data-driven, evidence-based governance at the grassroots level. By empowering Panchayats to monitor their progress, address gaps, and foster healthy competition, PAI 2.0 is poised to drive holistic rural development and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with MoSPI and NITI Aayog, continues to prioritise accurate data as the foundation for equitable and participatory growth.
