Every Panchayat will become self-reliant and accountable, Gram Panchayats will be empowered to prepare their own development index- Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar
Lucknow: The Panchayat Raj Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh successfully organized a one-day state-level workshop today at the Panchayati Raj Directorate Lohia Bhawan Aliganj Lucknow to discuss the dissemination of the Panchayat Advancement Index, Version 1 and 2 and to discuss the progress of Gram Panchayats on the revised indicators.
The workshop was chaired by Minister of Panchayati Raj, Om Prakash Rajbhar. Approximately 200 participants, including Principal Secretary, Panchayati Raj Department Anil Kumar, Director, Panchayati Raj Department Amit Kumar Singh and other departmental officials, project managers from various divisions and heads and secretaries of Gram Panchayats who have performed outstandingly in the PAI, actively participated.
The main objective of this workshop was to strengthen the role of Panchayats in achieving the nine themes of the Local Development Goals (LSDGs). The objective was to ensure the performance of Gram Panchayats was assessed based on quality baseline data. Gram Panchayats that performed exceptionally well in PAI versions 1 and 2 were also honored during the workshop.
Today state-level workshop honored Gram Panchayats that performed best under the Panchayat Advancement Index. Dhanauri, Bibipur and Saraura Gram Panchayats from Bakshi Ka Talab block in Lucknow, along with Milak Amawati from Moradabad district and Bharatol Gram Panchayat from Bareilly, were recognized for their outstanding performance.
In this event, departmental experts discussed in detail the theme-wise scorecards of Panchayat Development Indicators (LSDG) and the importance of the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI). Speakers explained that this index will help measure the progress of Gram Panchayats, evaluate their development journey and set precise direction for policy making.
Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Om Prakash Rajbhar said that the Panchayat Advancement Index is a mirror of the functioning and development potential of our Gram Panchayats. Through this, Through this, we are ensuring that every Panchayat makes concrete and measurable progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Gram Panchayats are now being empowered to create their own index based on their improved performance and have the opportunity to be rewarded at the state level. The government goal is to ensure that the facilities available in cities reach villages, so that rural areas can equally progress towards development and empowerment.
Principal Secretary, Panchayati Raj Department Anil Kumar said that tools like PAI 2.0 are enabling Panchayats to practice transparent, accountable and result-oriented governance. Quality data and performance-based evaluation are enabling Gram Panchayats to better prioritize their priorities. The department goal is to ensure that all Panchayats move towards data-driven planning.
Director Panchayati Raj Department Amit Kumar Singh said that the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) is an innovative initiative towards rural development. It not only serves as a tool to measure the progress of Panchayats but also encourages healthy competition among them. Through PAI, we understand that It helps in identifying the areas where further improvements are needed so that the benefits of development reach every village equally. On this occasion, Joint Director all Deputy Directors and District Panchayat Raj Officers from the districts were present.
