Panchayat Development Index: Bihar Leads the Way

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has developed the Panchayat Development Index (PDI) to assess the development and performance of panchayats across the country. Bihar has emerged as a frontrunner in the implementation of the PDI, with 485 local indicators and 514 data points configured at the state level.

According to sources, two committees have been formed at the state level, two at the district level, one at the sub-division level, and one at the block level to oversee the implementation of the PDI in Bihar. The state has also taken the help of 18 departments for data collection and verification.

The PDI uses 577 local indicators and 688 data points under nine themes to evaluate the welfare and development of local communities. The index is designed to provide a comprehensive picture of the development and performance of panchayats, and to help identify areas that require improvement.

Recently, 12 panchayats were awarded the National Panchayat Award, including three gram panchayats from Bihar. The awards were given based on the data collected under the PDI.

The PDI is a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. By providing a comprehensive picture of the development and performance of panchayats, the PDI can help policymakers identify areas that require improvement and develop targeted interventions to address these gaps.

"The PDI is a powerful tool for assessing the development and performance of panchayats," said a senior official of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. "We hope that it will help policymakers develop targeted interventions to improve the lives of people in rural areas."