Context:
The two-day National Writeshop on Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) Version 2.0 for FY 2023–24 commenced at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. During the inaugural, the PAI 2.0 Portal was launched https://pai.gov.in/ . Local Indicator Framework (LIF) Booklet for FY 2023–24 along with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was also released on this occasion.
What is PAI 2.0?
- PAI (Panchayat Advancement Index) is a performance tracking tool for over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across India.
- It aligns with the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
- Aims to institutionalize transparent, accountable, and evidence-based local governance.
What’s New in PAI Version 2.0?
| Feature | PAI 1.0 | PAI 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Indicators | 516 | 147 (↓ 72%) |
| Data Points | 794 | 227 (↓ 71%) |
| Usability | High complexity | Streamlined, focused |
| Coverage | 2.16 lakh GPs | Over 2.5 lakh GPs |
- Reduction in reporting burden and increase in data quality and clarity.
- Supported by a PAI 2.0 portal: https://pai.gov.in
- Includes LIF Booklet and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for FY 2023–24.
Nine Thematic Areas in PAI 2.0 (LSDG-aligned)
- 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
Significance
- Empowers Panchayats with self-assessment and planning tools.
- Promotes data-backed local development, healthy competition, and bottom-up governance.
- Will serve as a benchmark for Viksit Bharat vision and India’s Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) at global SDG forums.
