Panchayat Progress Index 2.0 Report

Panchayat Progress Index (PAI) 2.0 Report Highlights

Overview

• Release Date: National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24, 2026
• Objective: Strengthen grassroots governance and promote inclusive rural development.
• Participants: 259,867 Gram Panchayats (GPs) from 33 states and Union Territories (UTs) participated, achieving a participation rate of 97.3%.

Key Findings

• Top Performing GPs:

  • 3,635 GPs ranked as "Front Runner" category.
  • 118,824 GPs (approximately 45.72% of participants) classified as "Excellent Performer".

• Performance Areas:

  • Poverty Alleviation and Livelihood:
    • 3,313 GPs received an A+ grade, indicating significant contributions to poverty eradication and livelihood generation.
  • Health and Wellness:
    • 1,015 GPs received an A+ grade, showcasing strong results in preventive healthcare, nutrition awareness, sanitation practices, and community engagement.

Improvements in PAI 2.0

• Increased Participation: Improved from 80.79% in PAI version 1.0.
• Data Collection Enhancements:
  • Integrated data entry forms.
  • Mandatory verification by Gram Sabhas for transparency and accountability.
  • Enhanced auto-porting of data from national portals.
  • Improved accuracy through soft and cross-data verification mechanisms.
  • Real-time dashboards for user-friendly navigation and local language support.

Framework and Criteria

• Assessment Criteria:
  • Evaluated based on 150 indicators and 230 data points across nine thematic areas: Poverty, Health, Child Welfare, Water, Environment, Infrastructure, Social Justice, Good Governance, and Women's Empowerment.
• Performance Classification:
  • Achiever (A+): Score of 90 or above.
  • Front Runner (A): Score between 75 and 90.
  • Performer (B): Score between 60 and 75.
  • Aspiring (C): Score between 40 and 60.
  • Beginner (D): Score below 40.

State-wise Performance Snapshot

• Andaman and Nicobar: 70 GPs, 70 A grades.
• Andhra Pradesh: 13,310 GPs, 10,178 A grades.
• Madhya Pradesh: 23,011 GPs, 11,154 A grades.
• Uttar Pradesh: 57,678 GPs, 18,905 A grades.
• West Bengal: Did not participate in PAI 2.0.

Implications

• PAI 2.0 serves as a robust tool for evidence-based planning, monitoring performance, and incentivizing Panchayati Raj institutions.
• It aids states and UTs in prioritizing developmental interventions and assists in the preparation of Gram Panchayat development plans.
• High-performing GPs are recognized as learning centers and models of best practices.

Conclusion

The PAI 2.0 underscores the government's commitment to fostering strong, participatory, and data-driven local governance, aiming for well-developed Gram Panchayats across India. The initiative is expected to enhance accountability and track progress towards sustainable development goals at the grassroots level.