Panchayat Advancement Index Framework and Implementation
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has developed the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI), previously known as Panchayat Development Index, as a composite assessment framework to measure incremental performance of Gram Panchayats across themes of localization of sustainable development goals. The PAI provides theme-wise and overall scores through scorecards and dashboards, enabling identification of performance gaps and relative strengths at the Panchayat level.
State-wise Assessment Coverage and Results
A total of 2.59 lakh Gram Panchayats/equivalent GPs across 33 States/UTs have been onboarded for PAI 2.0 assessment for FY 2023-24. The state-wise distribution shows Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of GPs assessed (57,678), followed by Maharashtra (27,894) and Madhya Pradesh (23,011). Overall grading results indicate 3,635 GPs achieved A grade, 118,824 achieved B grade, 123,719 achieved C grade, and 13,689 achieved D grade, with no GPs achieving A+ grade across all states.
Capacity Building and Training Initiatives
The Ministry implements the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) since FY 2022-23, focusing on Capacity Building & Training of Elected Representatives, Functionaries and other stakeholders. From FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27 (as on 10th July 2026), a total of 36,81,750 elected representatives & stakeholders were trained on localization of sustainable development goals themes. Thematic training data shows significant participation from Andhra Pradesh (811,209 total trained), Kerala (241,951), and West Bengal (182,474) over the five-year period.
Gram Panchayat Development Planning
The Ministry facilitates preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) through a thematic planning approach aligned with nine LSDG themes. Gram Panchayats are advised to identify key developmental sectors ("Sankalp") before GPDP preparation. For FY 2026-27 (as on 29.07.2026), 1,56,019 Gram Panchayats have taken Sankalp, with 31,789 selecting Theme 4 (Water Sufficient Panchayat) and 32,806 selecting Theme 5 (Clean and Green Panchayat) as focus areas. Climate-resilient agricultural practices are integrated under these themes.
Budgetary and Collaborative Aspects
No special incentive fund has been created in the 2026-27 Budget for "Frontrunner" Panchayats in any LSDG themes, including Theme 3 (Child Friendly Village) and Theme 4 (Water Sufficient Panchayat). Additionally, no collaboration has been established with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the PAI framework.