Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report Context: Released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day (24 April 2026). Acts as a performance report card for Gram Panchayats across India. Top Performing Themes Theme 1: Poverty-Free & Enhanced Livelihoods Theme 2: Healthy Panchayats Participation & Coverage 97.30% participation rate in PAI 2.0. 2,59,867 Gram Panchayats from 33 States/UTs submitted validated data. Significant improvement from 80.79% participation in PAI 1.0. Key Improvements in PAI 2.0 Unified data entry form for ease of reporting. Mandatory Gram Sabha validation to ensure transparency and accountability. Auto-integration of data from national portals of Union Ministries. Advanced validation mechanisms (soft and cross-checking) for accuracy. Real-time dashboards for better monitoring and navigation. Vernacular language support for inclusivity. Significance Strengthens grassroots governance and decentralisation. Promotes data-driven and transparent decision-making. Reinforces the vision of “Viksit Gram Panchayats” (developed villages). Encourages inclusive and participatory rural development. About Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj as a data-driven framework to assess the performance of Gram Panchayats. Acts as a tool for evidence-based planning, monitoring, and incentivising Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Purpose and Utility Helps States/UTs prioritise development interventions. Supports preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs). Identifies high-performing Panchayats as model learning centres. Coverage and Framework Covers over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across India. Indicators span 9 thematic areas under Localization of Sustainable Development Goals: Poverty, Health, Child Welfare, Water, Environment, Infrastructure, Social Justice, Good Governance, Women’s Empowerment Performance Classification Based on composite scores, Panchayats are grouped into: Achiever (A+): 90 and above Front Runner (A): 75 to < 90 Performer (B): 60 to < 75 Aspirant (C): 40 to < 60 Beginner (D): Below 40 Significance Promotes benchmarking and competitive federalism at grassroots level. Enables targeted policy interventions.…
