Page 98 - PDI_Report

The result can be interpreted as, GP 4 improves their score by administration and State. How well the GPs are placed in the
19% compared to the previous score while there is a 9% Block and District can be reflected in the Block and District

declination in score compared to previous score for GP 5. level aggregation of PDI score. This is to bring to the notice and
to draw attention and involvement and support of the BP, ZP,
However, this is like looking at a single dimension, and not the
District and State.
totality of change. It does have its value though, but needs to be
contextualized along with the baseline and target and time PDI scores or thematic scores of GP can easily be used to
series figures. generate Block, district, state or National estimates of PDI. The
scores up to State level can be used for comparison within the
Like to like comparisons would be
better than a one size fits all. same level. In any case all PDI values can always be used to
make time series comparisons. The aggregation of score for
each level has to be based on weighted average method. As the
Understanding the purpose of measuring incremental change
GP, Block, Districts and States varies in size and population, it
and how it can be used and interpreted from Gram Panchayat to
will be irrational to simply aggregate the score without any
levels of policy and programme is necessary to choose the
weight. As PDI score is largely reflective of the well-being of
method of measuring.
the population of the area, it would be most appropriate to take
Like to like comparisons would be better than a one size fits all. the population ratio as the weights. Alternatively, as number of
Hence, all three methods can be used, based on grouping of GPs in a district has high correlation with population,
Gram Panchayats in view of their baseline status that is proportion of GP in a district or a state can also be taken as
collected. Gram Panchayats in the lower end and middle of the weight for aggregating the GP score for district or State PDI.
spectrum can be measured on incremental change, based on We may accordingly, take the number of villages or GPs in a
their starting base. Gram Panchayats at the higher end of the Block or District as the weight, while for State or National level
spectrum can be measured based on their distance from the indicator we may take the District and State population from the

target with the incremental improvements on that basis. last census as the weight. Further, for assigning weight for
The shift of all Gram Panchayats to the Target mode for themes at district or national level for composite index, we may
measure of incremental progress needs to be aimed at. adopt variable weights.

Incremental progress scoring has to also factor in a fall in score However, in the Report the population of GP is used as the
and Maintenance of the score. Maintaining an already high weight for calculation of Block, District and State scores, and is
level, needs to be seen as very good and a fall, naturally recommended.
negative. While evolving the measuring scale, these levels can
Ranking
be fixed.
Incremental progress scoring has to also factor PDI, is first and foremost to find where we stand. It is not to be
in a fall in score and Maintenance of the score. a ranking of all GPs, but has the scope to progress towards an
assessment mechanism for ranking. Without building the
Computing Block, District and State aggregation of GP necessary ecosystem, going into ranking based on PDI is like

PDI putting the cart before the horse. Here in PDI, that would be the
The LIF presently is of Indicators at GP level. The development case, if there is initial ranking before getting the correct baseline
status is however not solely dependent on the GPs. The and establishing good reliable systems for data collection,
outcomes can be enhanced by support from BP, ZP, District positional assessment and analysis and linking to action.

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PDI Committee Report - 2023: Panchayat Development Index 72