Panchayat Devolution Index (PDI) 2024

8.Panchayat Devolution Index (PDI) 2024: Recently, the PDI 2024 has been released, evaluating the extent of power and resources devolved to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across Indian states.

• About Panchayat Devolution Index 2024:

oTop Performing States: Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have secured the highest rankings in the PDI 2024, reflecting robust decentralization and empowerment of local governance structures.

oSignificant Improvers: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have shown remarkable progress, recording the most substantial improvements in their PDI rankings compared to previous assessments.

• Evaluation Criteria: The PDI assesses states based on:

oEmpowerment of Panchayats: Legal and administrative powers granted to PRIs.

oFinancial Autonomy: Extent of fiscal resources and independence allocated to local bodies.

oCapacity Building: Initiatives for training and enhancing the capabilities of panchayat members and institutions.

• National Overview: As of 2024, India comprises approximately 2.62 lakh panchayats, an increase from 2.48 lakh in 2013-14, indicating a growth in grassroots governance units.
• About Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India: The Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj system to promote democratic decentralization.

oThe 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) institutionalized PRIs, mandating regular elections and reserving one-third of seats for women.

oStructure: Gram Panchayat (Village Level), Panchayat Samiti (Block level) & Zila Parishad (District Level)

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj: Established in May 2004 to oversee matters related to PRIs.