Page 158 - PDI_Report

Challenge as per the Cambridge dictionary means (the situation for a new perspective with understanding
of being faced with) something that needs great mental or the integration of process, output, outcome,
physical effort in order to be done successfully and therefore and impact that can be monitored with
tests a person’s ability. Challenge can be seen as a move to quantitative analysis and interpretations,
convince a person to perform an action they otherwise would which at this stage may be challenging.
not. Challenge is a dare; it is an invite to take part in a
2. Use of data and indicators
competition. PDI (which is being used in conjunction with the
It is simple and one can understood quite easily, measures of
Thematic LIF), is a challenge. It is necessary to put this view,
physical progress and financial expenditure, whereas looking at
because PDI is beyond Statistics. Its potential for motivation
these in the context of indicators, and use of data, hitherto not
and change is tremendous.
dealt with consciously, is a learning process. The physical and
financial progress of different schemes/ programs should be
PDI is a challenge. PDI is beyond Statistics. Its
data and indicator driven with progress reporting from time to
potential for motivation and change is tremendous.
time, which needs a drastic shift from current reporting system.
Limitation as per the Cambridge dictionary, if someone or This too is simple, when presented and seen connected to
something has limitations, that person or thing is not as good as aspects of life.
they or it could be. Limitations is an imperfection that limits its
3. Volume of numbers
use or value. And PDI also has its limitations.
The 688 data points and 577 indicators, seem voluminous to be
Understanding in statistical terms and usage, challenges are dealt with by the Gram Panchayats. All of these are meaningful
difficulties we encounter in the process, and when this has no to the Gram Panchayat and relevant for the measurement of
effect on the results, it is not a limitation. Limitations are progress. At national level, initially 306 indicators were
shortcomings or weaknesses that may affect the results. In identified in the NIF and as per latest NIF - 2022, there are 286
adhering to the requirement of PDI, having trouble in getting national indicators. Having 577 indicators in LIF, and
data , is a challenge not a limitation. In a survey for example, if considering them too much is a top-down approach that as
sample size is smaller, then the desired statistical analysis may individuals, we feel is too much. This has not been found to be
be underpowered and not be truly representative, and that is a too much for the Gram Panchayat Presidents and Gram
limitation for PDI. Limitations can affect the results and Panchayat Gram sevaks, with whom the PDI Committee
consequently need to be known when looking at and interacted in June 2022. They confirmed that all are necessary

interpreting the results. and valid for the GP, and in fact added some. (The Report on
PDI is a complex and highly detailed calculation that seeks to Consultative Workshop in Annexure-II may kindly be referred).
bring the use of data and analysis for decision making at Further use of the IT platform with back-end calculations and
grassroots level and shift from scheme based and expenditure front-end presentation being done effectively, makes volume
focus to outcome focus in a holistic context. It has tremendous easily manageable.
scope to influence policy, programme and provide evidence for
Numbers of indicators that are covered can also be reaching its
advocacy, and hence has challenges and limitations.
full level in a timeframe of perhaps 2 years. Considering the
Challenges Committees in the Gram Panchayat, Standing Committees,
Scheme based committees, Thematic Committees, the volume
1. Bringing in the new paradigm in thinking about
development of numbers comes down from 577 (which excluding sub-
Implementation of schemes or programs by gram panchayats indicators comes to 416 Indicators) at Gram Panchayat level to
through government or through its own source of revenue calls
GPs deal with around 33 Registers at GP level
roughly some 478 columns altogether. The 400 +
indicators going to be difficult, is unlikely.
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PDI Committee Report - 2023: Challenges and Limitations 132