Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0 report for FY 2023–24

Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0 report for FY 2023–24 on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day (24 April 2026), evaluating the performance of Gram Panchayats across the country.

About Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)
PAI 2.0 is India’s first nationwide data-driven framework to assess the performance of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats. It acts as a report card based on 150 indicators and 230 data points across nine thematic areas aligned with the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals.

Thematic Areas Covered
The index evaluates Panchayats across sectors such as poverty alleviation, health, child welfare, water, environment, infrastructure, social justice, good governance, and women’s empowerment.

Performance Categories
Based on composite scores, Gram Panchayats are classified into five categories:

• Achiever (A+: 90 and above)
• Front Runner (A: 75–89)
• Performer (B: 60–74)
• Aspirant (C: 40–59)
• Beginner (D: below 40)

Key Findings

• 3,635 Gram Panchayats fall under the Front Runner category.
• Around 1,18,824 Gram Panchayats (about 45.72%) are classified as Performers.
• Tripura leads with nearly 80% of its Panchayats as Front Runners.
• Kerala and Odisha follow with notable shares of high-performing Panchayats.

Significance
PAI serves as a critical tool for evidence-based planning, monitoring grassroots governance, and promoting competitive federalism at the Panchayat level. It supports targeted interventions and strengthens decentralised governance in line with sustainable development goals.

Source: PIB