Context:
New index to assess performance of gram panchayats
Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI):
- A multi-sectoral and multi-domain framework designed to evaluate the performance, progress, and holistic development of panchayats across India.
- Objective – To measure the effectiveness of panchayats in achieving localized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering inclusive development at the grassroots level.
- Launched by – Ministry of Panchayati Raj
- Assessment Themes (9 Key Areas) –
- Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods Panchayat.
- Healthy Panchayat.
- Child-Friendly Panchayat.
- Water-Sufficient Panchayat.
- Clean and Green Panchayat.
- Self-Sufficient Infrastructure in Panchayat.
- Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat.
- Panchayat with Good Governance.
- Women-Friendly Panchayat.
Findings from Current Assessment:
- Achiever – No panchayat achieved the Achiever rank this year.
- Aspirant – Majority (61.2%) of panchayats fall under this category, indicating scope for improvement.
- Performer – Around 36% of panchayats showed moderate progress in their developmental goals.
- Front-Runner – Panchayats in Gujarat performed the best, with the state having the highest number in this category
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) Federalism
(b) Democratic decentralisation
(c) Administrative delegation
(d) Direct democracy
Answer: (b)