Page 10 - PDI Vol 2

improvements with time, with more dimensions and higher bars. The combination of LIF, Thematic scores and PDI,
with the various analysis that it provides scope for, would give the Panchayats, a clear picture of where they are and
what their actions and that of other stakeholders in the Gram Panchayat, have resulted in.

PDI cannot be just a one-time exercise, nor a mere declaration of developmental status in grades. It is necessary
to become annual assessments, along with details of actionable points, providing feedback through the year on changes
that can be assessed from time to time on a continuous basis. Inter-related indicators directly connected, that together

influence need to be grouped for getting that commonality that connects them. (for example, Maternal Health). All these
scores provide evidence and can be used for selection of Gram Panchayats and which Gram Panchayat for what
interventions under programmes, schemes and for policy. Other stakeholders can plan their work in a more impactful
manner. This also provides a sound footing for Gram Panchayats to raise their demands as well as present their needs
better. To find solutions that are so specific to individual, household, location, local, making available of that data to the

Gram Panchayat is essential. The effective use of the measures and data would lead to ensuring that we Leave No One
Behind and leave no village behind. It will help reduce inequality and promote gender equality, lead to positive
outcomes on social, economic and environmental dimensions, as these are measured under different Themes &
Indicators. PDI etc are not a panacea for all ills, nor the substitute for KPIs of various Ministries/State Governments
under various schemes & Programmes. PDI works along with them, and takes development to beyond each, to a unified
whole with disaggregated detail.

To catalyse inter-agency data sharing and institutionalize a robust information exchange mechanism, and inter-
functionality of data, the PDI is a call to put into action the concepts of data sharing, data operability, open government
data, etc all that is in the policy of use of IT as engine for pathways of change. Data is the new oil was first stated in
2006, and along with it was stated that data is valuable only when it gets processed, is used analytically, and serves a
purpose, through the information it provides. Gram Panchayat data needs to be provided to the Gram Panchayat for their
working on them - Data of the Gram Panchayat, data for the Gram Panchayat – along with PDI. PDI is a full package
when unwrapped gives layers and layers of information to the Gram Panchayat and all stakeholders. It is like an ocean,

so vast, and with so much depth. It has value for all interested in rural Progress.

Localisation of SDGs with use of PDI and its component parts, can provide the world a model of how evidence can be
used for strengthening governance & participation and achieving the SDGs. This I can say with conviction having seen
what focus and measures and incentives can do, when coupled with the energies of the GPs, bringing them to centre
stage. In 2004-2006, I had the opportunity to work closely with the Gram Panchayats in Tamil Nadu on 'Namadhu
Gramam', ‘Our Village’, which had in essence the SDGs/LSDGs, and a measure, now more refined as the PDI, Thematic

and Indicator scores, along with incentivisation. The then Panchayat Presidents said that it was a model to show the
world. The Gram Panchayats are not starting work from scratch, nor are they going to address all Indicators in all
Themes at one and the same time. They are also not alone in this. The whole of Government is working on the SDGs and
impacting and improving them in rural India. GPs have that reach, understanding and commitment that will add
substantial value. Their ability to draw on their Gram Panchayat resources of not just funds but people, and methods of

work in the Gram Panchayat is varied and numerous. We have 2.69 lakh Gram Panchayats and over 32 lakh elected
representatives. With such social capital of People getting involved in Partnership for development (that make 2 Ps), the
other 3 Ps of Peace, Prosperity and Planet can be taken as naturally going to fall in place, for achieving the SDGs.

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