The Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj organised a one-day district-level workshop on the Panchayat Advancement Index at the Conference Hall of the PWD Dakbanglow today.
The workshop was designed to sensitise stakeholders about the Panchayat Advancement Index, a comprehensive tool used to evaluate the developmental status of Gram Panchayats across the region.
The workshop was inaugurated by the District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma. The event was coordinated by the Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Sheraz Chowhan and aimed to familiarize stakeholders with the new features and implementation mechanisms of PAI 2.0.
PAI 2.0 is a performance monitoring and evaluation tool designed to assess and improve the functioning of Panchayats. It focuses on promoting accountability, transparency, and data-driven development at the grassroots level.
Compared to its previous version, PAI 2.0 offers a simplified scorecard, real-time data entry through a digital portal, and enhanced tracking of progress across 9 thematic areas aligned with the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
The nine LSDG themes being monitored include Poverty-free & enhanced livelihood Panchayat, Healthy Panchayat, Child-friendly Panchayat, Water-sufficient Panchayat, Clean & Green Panchayat, Self-sufficient infrastructure Panchayat, Socially just & gender-sensitive Panchayat, Well-governed Panchayat, Village with good governance & transparency.
The workshop emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and sectoral coordination to ensure measurable improvements in governance and service delivery at the Panchayat level. It also encouraged healthy competition among Panchayats and recognized the need to bridge existing gaps using data-backed insights.
The workshop covered various themes under PAI-2.0, including child-friendly panchayat, water-sufficient panchayat, clean and green panchayat and self-sufficient infrastructure in panchayats.
Participants received hands-on training on operating the PAI portal to ensure efficient data entry and monitoring. The workshop concluded with an interactive session, where participants discussed operational aspects of the PAI initiative.