Mizoram Launches PAI 2.0 Report Card to Strengthen Village Development Monitoring
Aizawl, May 26: In a major step toward strengthening grassroots governance and sustainable rural development, the Government of Mizoram has officially released the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report Card to evaluate the performance and progress of Village Councils across the state through a data-driven framework.
The report was unveiled during a programme organised by the Rural Development and Administration Department at the newly inaugurated conference hall of the Directorate of Local Administration in Aizawl.
Attending the programme as the chief guest, Prof Lalnilawma stated that the PAI 2.0 framework would serve as an important tool in strengthening grassroots development, improving governance, and monitoring the performance of local bodies throughout the state.
Addressing officials and Village Council representatives, the minister remarked that Village Councils hold a crucial responsibility as the primary source of data collection under the PAI framework. He noted that the nine themes under the Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) are closely linked with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the developmental vision adopted by the Centre.
Prof Lalnilawma expressed satisfaction that no locality in Mizoram was placed under the “D Grade” or “Beginner” category across the nine development themes. He also praised Kawrthah North Village Council for earning national recognition under the “Clean and Green Village” category.
The minister further stated that the indicators under PAI should guide long-term grassroots development and added that the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” can only become successful through continuous progress at the village level. He also stressed the importance of capacity building, training for Village Councils, and stronger coordination among departments supervising local bodies.
Director of Local Administration Dr Lalngura Tlau presented the PAI 2.0 report and explained the revised framework and methodology. According to him, PAI 2.0 uses the financial year 2023–24 as its baseline, whereas the earlier PAI 1.0 was based on 2022–23 data.
He informed that the revised framework has considerably reduced the reporting burden by decreasing the number of indicators from 516 to 150 and data points from 794 to 230, making data collection and validation much easier for Village Councils.
Dr Tlau also highlighted that the PAI system serves as an effective mechanism to monitor year-round performance and measure development under the nine LSDG themes.
In a proud achievement for Mizoram, Kawrthah North Village Council secured the top position in India under the “Clean and Green Village” theme and received a cash award of ₹1 crore.
Under the PAI framework, Village Councils are classified into five categories based on composite scores — Beginner (0–40), Aspirant (40–60), Performer (60–75), Frontrunner (75–90), and Achiever (above 90). The government will also recognise Village Councils achieving A+ grades in various development themes.
The Panchayat Advancement Index was launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj as a nationwide mechanism to assess socio-economic progress and governance at the grassroots level.
The programme was chaired by Joint Director (Administration) Lalchawimawia. Director of SIRD&PR R. Lalremsanga and All Mizoram Village Council Association president FP Laikhama also addressed the gathering, while Dr Manesia Khaimeichho delivered the vote of thanks.
Reported by Changmha Times News Desk
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