Data Issues and Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)
This article discusses the challenges and potential solutions related to data availability and usage for decision-making in India's governance, particularly at the local government level.
Challenges in Data Utilization
- Data Availability: The delay in conducting Census operations and the change in survey methodologies make it hard to access time series data, crucial for evidence-based decision-making.
- Data Accessibility: Although the government has made data available through various portals and the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), 2012, the data are often not in an easily comprehensible format for the public or researchers.
- Data Visualization and Analysis: Tools for data visualization and analytics on government portals are underdeveloped, resulting in decisions often based on intuition rather than data.
- Design of Data Portals: Portals are mainly designed for departmental heads, not for local governance functionaries, thus lacking a micro-level perspective needed for local decision-making.
Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) Baseline Report 2022-23
The PAI is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of the performance of gram panchayats across India.
- Structure: The PAI is a composite index based on 435 unique local indicators related to nine themes of the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs), aligned with the National Indicator Framework.
- Data Analysis: Data from over 2.16 lakh gram panchayats have been analyzed, though data from over 11,000 GPs were not included due to validation issues.
- State Participation: 25 States/UTs provided nearly complete data, but Uttar Pradesh submitted data for only 40% of its GPs, raising concerns about development tracking.
- Utility: The PAI portal aids officials and lawmakers in making informed decisions. It links data to outcomes, enabling targeted interventions.
Implications and Recommendations
- Coordination: Effective collaboration between various stakeholders such as government departments, elected representatives, and NGOs is crucial for improving GP performance.
- Community Involvement: Institutions linked with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan should assist GPs in understanding and improving their PAI scores.
- Resource Allocation: The PAI scorecard can guide the use of funds from CSR, the Prime Minister’s Mineral Area Fund, MPLADS, and MLALAD to achieve SDGs by 2030.
- Data Analysts: Trained data analysts at local levels can facilitate continuous and effective data use.
- Future Steps: Beyond rankings, PAI is a tool for action and support for underperforming GPs. Similar indexes should be developed for urban local governments.
There is a need for a comprehensive understanding of data utilization to drive development effectively, with the PAI serving as a crucial tool for local governance enhancement.