New Delhi: The Panchayat Advancement Index report for FY 2023–24 identified 3,635 gram panchayats as front runners, reflecting improved grassroots governance and development outcomes.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the report on National Panchayati Raj Day. Officials said it serves as a performance report card for local bodies across the country.
According to the data, 1,18,824 gram panchayats fell under the performer category. This accounted for about 45.72% of participating local bodies.
Participation reached 97.3%, with 2,59,867 gram panchayats submitting validated data. This marked a sharp rise from 80.79% recorded in the previous version.
The report highlighted strong performance in key themes. Panchayats showed notable gains in poverty reduction and livelihood generation. They also improved outcomes in health, sanitation, and nutrition awareness.
Panchayat Advancement Index highlights strong rural progress
Under the livelihoods theme, 3,313 panchayats achieved A+ grade performance. Similarly, 1,015 panchayats secured A+ grades under the health category.
Officials said the index evaluates panchayats using 150 indicators and 230 data points. These cover areas such as poverty, health, infrastructure, governance, and women’s empowerment.
The revised framework simplified earlier metrics to improve usability. It also introduced real-time dashboards and data validation systems for accuracy.
Authorities made Gram Sabha validation mandatory to strengthen transparency. In addition, integration with national data portals improved reliability of reporting.
States and Union Territories are using the index for planning and monitoring development. As a result, high-performing panchayats can act as models for others.
The government said the initiative supports evidence-based decision-making at the local level. It added that the system would promote accountability and inclusive rural growth.
