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There are many approaches to assigning weights to indicators. As mentioned in earlier Paras, the thematic score of a GP will
The weights can be assigned according to the output value of be used for calculating the PDI score of GP. This can be done
indicators like in CPI and WPI, where weights are assigned using the geometric mean of thematic score with equal weights,
according to the price value of items consumed or produced in as themes though being dimensionless cannot be compared ipso
the base year. In some cases, weights are assigned as per the facto to each other. However, if desired, while arriving at
current price values of items. The weights can also be assigned aggregate of scores for a Gram Panchayat on the Themes
according to the population affected or impacted by the scores, weights can be used based on the impact of an indicator
indicators as is the case of many developmental indices. on multiple themes and SDGs. So, if an indicator is important
However, in cases where items are heterogeneous in terms of for 4 Themes, it can have a weight of 4 in each Theme and
units/ dimensions or significance, the most common approach is achieving progress in it can be having greater value (though as
to assign weights as per the perception values. But as it is all 4 Themes together gives it a weight of 4 in the PDI
perceptions varies with different stakeholders, an unweighted calculation). Alternately, to equate its impact on the entire PDI,

index is also constructed like happiness index. it may get 0.25 weight at each place. This is not recommended
as it undermines the value of the indicator. In as much as it is
The indicators/ data points selected for PDI varies in
coming under 4 Themes, it is certainly more valuable, and the
characteristics and there cannot be a rationale criterion to assign
use of standard equal weights would automatically give it the
higher importance to one indicator over others. Hence, it is felt
higher weightage in the PDI.
that at this juncture, the PDI at unit level can have as in SDGII,
equal weights or no weights assigned to indicators for the We can also assign weights as per the number of SDGs covered
thematic scores in a GP. in each theme irrespective of the facts that some SDG Goals
feature in more than one theme and most of the themes cover
However, this is not a thumb rule and varied weights can be
used at any stage to reflect the relative importance of an more than one goal.
indicator. Other than just choice of indicator, such as priority The States may choose to give differential weights based on
indicators, the use of differential weights will have different their priorities in the use of the LIF & PDI by them.
impact on the values of the indicators on the scoring. Hence Enterprising Districts may use this tool to get officials and
even within the priorities, weights can be given at National Gram Panchayats to pay attention to certain critical indicators
level assessment of the Indicators and through that the message for the district. When the PDI with all its Thematic scores
that is sought to be communicated. The more the weight, the becomes the tool for the Gram Panchayats in its use for
more significant it will mean it is and the high score or low communication and self-evaluation, the choice of weights in the
score on that indicator would get amplified. For understanding selected indictors can tilt substantially their assessment and
and experimenting with the use of weights, it would be more allow them to use it for their plans and outcomes.
useful to select just the most important amongst them from the
It is early stages yet to take these differential weights and play
National perspective, in each Theme and assign the weights and
of weights as a tool for pushing forward on KPIs. However, this
look at the present and emerging position of the Gram
is worth experimenting with on pilot basis with select Gram
Panchayats, in the next assessment. Taking those that are
Panchayats and in the analysis of PDI and providing its
National Missions and to ensure greater attention to the
interpretation. Systemic option for this may be built into the
indicators reflecting them within the framework, we can get the
software to be developed for the PDI etc.
amplified values that present the status in a manner that stands

out for all.

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PDI Committee Report - 2023: Panchayat Development Index 66