Page 21 - PDI_Report

level the use of ranks in conjunction with grades would be of substantial use for all stakeholders, especially GPs and
Departments.

Incremental progress measurement - Incremental progress can be seen through scores achieved by different Gram
Panchayats within a grade, grade movement, movement from baseline, movement towards target. These changes can
further be put on a scale of achievement, to see which GPs have shown best incremental progress or progress against

desired targets. Incremental progress measures are an evolving concept.
Maintenance of reached levels must be ensured. Slipping back needs to be considered with negative marking and

scoring, and bounce back can be acknowledged. How it will be dealt with in calculations needs to be worked on as the
LIF and PDI progresses in the next and coming years. Maintenance of improved levels involves cost and effort.

Data - Data is at the very foundation of the PDI. The entire computation exercise requires collection and
maintenance of datasets. For evidence-based planning, each Gram Panchayat must invariably maintain village level
statistics and have a continuous flow of data. There is a heavy reliance on data from multiple sources due to the wide
range of indicators required to cover the LSDGs. The role of line departments is crucial in data sharing, checking its

accuracy and reliability.
Data Source - The Data source for each data point has been identified. Like done in Maharashtra at the

instance of the Committee, every State needs to do this in the field, and use this in further work and understanding of
data sources and data availability. The use of API for data available in various portals, collected by different
Ministries/Departments can substantially ease the data collection exercise and can bring it to minimum numbers with
appropriate data entry formats.

In further work, field entities’ entries into different portals and what all is entered needs to be taken into detailed
account so as to evolve not only API links for LIF for PDI, but also for the larger essential standardized data base of
every Gram Panchayat indicating the data required under each functional domain of Panchayats. This would also

enable the data currently available by use of filters of hamlets, households, gender, age, income, etc., for use in
analysis and plans, and bring this unison of data availability making it easier for all by reducing time taken, costs of
manpower and provide standardized and clear information for further action. Repeat data points and unique data points
for enabling source wise data collection has been done. A single data base reflecting all aspects of the village/Gram
Panchayat data, that can be the place from which, every other Ministry/Department, that wants to use it can dip into

needs to be standardised.
Not all data is openly available, nor are there currently any other mechanisms to collect such data. Crimes against

women and children, alcohol and drugs abuse, actual functioning of toilets and availability of soap, water etc. would
need surveys and other innovative means for data collection, that also need to be standardized.

Data collection needs to be a paid service.

Data Validation - Effectiveness of PDI depends on availability and veracity of data. Thus, data integrity needs
to be promoted and ensured across the country. Existing structures of data validation along with needed mechanisms
such as ‘para baithak’ of West Bengal need to be used.

In the initial phase, appreciation for those GPs who do this exercise properly and on time can be considered.

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