Panchayat Development Index Report

• 03 Jul 2023

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj released the Report on Panchayat Development Index (PDI) at the National Workshop on Panchayat Development Index in New Delhi.

What is the Panchayat Development Index?

• About:
  • The PDI is a composite index that measures the performance of panchayats in achieving the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • It provides a holistic and evidence-based assessment of the development status of panchayats, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
• Objective:
  • The PDI aims to promote the Localization of SDGs by creating awareness among panchayats and stakeholders about their importance.
  • It encourages panchayats to adopt best practices and innovations to improve their performance in achieving SDGs.
• Ranking and Categorization:
  • The PDI provides rankings for panchayats at different levels, including district, block, and village, based on their overall scores.
  • Panchayats are categorized into four grades: D (scores under 40%), C (40-60%), B (60-75%), A (75-90%), and A+ (above 90%).
• Themes and Focus Areas:
  • The PDI considers nine themes, including poverty-free and enhanced livelihood, healthy village, child-friendly village, water-sufficient village, clean and green village, self-sufficient infrastructure, socially just and secured villages, good governance, and women-friendly village.
• Applications and Benefits of the PDI:
  • The PDI can be used by states/union territories for Panchayati Raj Awards and to emphasize a data-driven and evidence-based approach to development.
  • It serves as a tool for planning, monitoring, and evaluating schemes implemented by panchayats and other agencies aligned with the SDGs.
  • The PDI facilitates the sharing of knowledge and experiences among panchayats and stakeholders for learning and replication of successful models and interventions.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report on the PDI?

• The pilot project was carried out in four districts of Maharashtra, namely Pune, Sangli, Satara, and Solapur.
• The data collected from the pilot project was used to compile the report of the Panchayat Development Index Committee.
• The pilot study showed that 70% of the panchayats in the four districts of Maharashtra fall in Category C, while 27% are in Category B.
• The report highlights the need for evidence-based planning, resources must be deployed where required for overall development.

What is Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI)?

• PRI is a system of rural local self-government in India.
• Local Self Government is the management of local affairs by such local bodies who have been elected by the local people.
• PRI was constitutionalized through the 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 to build democracy at the grass roots level and was entrusted with the task of rural development in the country.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? (2015)

1. People’s participation in development
2. Political accountability
3. Democratic decentralization
4. Financial mobilization

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (c)

Exp:

• The most fundamental objective of the Panchayati Raj system is to ensure people’s participation in development and democratic decentralization.
• Establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions does not automatically lead to political accountability.
• Financial mobilization is not the fundamental objective of Panchayati Raj, although it seeks to transfer finances and resources to the grass root government.

Source: PIB