Asik SyedLaunched in 2025 by the Government of India, the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) is a transformative tool designed to assess and rank the performance of over 2.16 lakh panchayats in their journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, this initiative brings a data-driven approach to strengthen transparency, accountability, and development at the village level.
What is the Panchayat Advancement Index?
The PAI provides a composite score from 0 to 100 to evaluate each panchayat’s progress. Based on this score, panchayats are grouped into five performance categories:
- Achiever (90–100)
- Front Runner (75–90)
- Performer (60–75)
- Aspirant (40–60)
- Beginner (Below 40)
This classification allows panchayats to benchmark their performance, understand their developmental status, and identify areas that need improvement.
Nine Core Themes of Evaluation
The PAI framework is built around nine critical SDG-aligned themes, capturing the holistic essence of rural development:
- 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
These themes reflect the multi-dimensional needs of rural communities and guide focused development planning.
Data Collection & Assessment
The index draws from an extensive data pool covering 2.55 lakh gram panchayats. Out of these, 2.16 lakh panchayats from 29 States and Union Territories submitted validated data, which was assessed using 435 unique indicators (a mix of mandatory and optional metrics). These indicators offer granular insights into local-level governance and progress.
Current Performance Snapshot
The inaugural PAI results reveal the following highlights:
- 699 panchayats achieved “Front Runner” status
- Gujarat: 346 panchayats
- Telangana: 270 panchayats
- 77,298 panchayats were rated as “Performers”
- 1,32,392 panchayats fall in the “Aspirant” category
- Chhattisgarh has the highest number of “Beginners”
- No panchayat has yet reached the top-tier “Achiever” status
These insights not only highlight areas of excellence but also spotlight regions requiring policy attention and capacity building.
Why PAI Matters
The Panchayat Advancement Index is more than just a ranking tool—it’s a strategic framework for grassroots development. It facilitates:
- Evidence-based planning
- Informed decision-making
- Policy interventions tailored to local needs
- Increased transparency and accountability
It builds upon earlier efforts like the SDG India Index, taking the localisation of SDGs a step further by extending the assessment to the most fundamental level of governance.
Looking Ahead
As the PAI continues to evolve, it is set to become a powerful catalyst for competitive development among panchayats. The index not only promotes a culture of performance but also encourages innovation and collaboration at the grassroots level. With continued support and refinement, the PAI is expected to play a crucial role in accelerating India’s rural transformation and ensuring that no village is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Neha Baruah
