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Technical persons of suitable level and with sound technical knowledge of IT systems and Data Analytics along with
understanding of PRIs, need to be involved, as it is not just PDI as a score, but its interpretation that is important.

Challenges and Limitations of PDI - PDI has great potential in developing a localized developmental paradigm,
but has its limitations and challenges. It is a tough data collection exercise with heavy reliance on data from multiple
sources and departments. Survey as a tool needs to be built in and a robust technology platform has to be built that can
respond also creatively. Data analysis and effective presentation and interpretation is required, as PDI developmental

status needs to be seen and understood in the context of resources, the endowed advantageous and disadvantaged GPs,
peri-urban GP versus an interior GP, etc. PDI may not take into account specific context and challenges faced by a
particular panchayat, leading to unfair comparisons. E.g., migrations, limitations of livelihood opportunities, a
panchayat may be doing worse in water related indicators because it lies in a water scarce region, and not due to lack of
effort. PDI is not a substitute for schematic targets and measurements. It needs to be seen in conjunction with them.

Stakeholders and Resources - PDI is not just a set of calculations and proclamation of the result. It is far more
than that. Even to be able to give the development index status of 2.69 lakh GPs on the PDI, to start with, there are

some basic roles and responsibility of all stakeholders. NITI Aayog, MoSPI, Central Ministries, State Governments,
District administration, Line Departments, NIC, District and Block Panchayats, CSOs, CBOs, GPs and MoPR. In
addition, Institutions, INGOs, ERs, and media can enable PDI to deliver to its full scope The village needs to identify
how it will involve the existing Committees and form required CBOs for the achievement under this Theme

Data required must come from Departments and GPs own data. Convergent action is required to ensure that the various
inputs from the schemes of Departments feed into the preparation of GPDP for the indicators/targets.

Standing Committees of the GP need to be strengthened and capacitated on their roles & responsibilities for preparation

of theme-based GPDP. Discussion on GPDP with Departments concerned in Standing Committees, Scheme
Committees, to be put in the joint calendar worked out with Departments.

OGD - Data of panchayats should be clearly visible and an open book. Use of technology with transparency will
be key to effective data collection. PDI must follow the principles and spirit of Open Government Data.

Monitoring - Strong emphasis is placed on this, as this is a new area, evolving area, and needs to be grounded
well. It involves a lot of detailed and systematic working, and considering its importance needs keen monitoring by
MoPR.

Significance of PDI - The use of PDI with its component parts of Themes and LIF, along with analysis and
interpretations can:

1. Capture the status and movement in development at grass root level

2. Ensure rapid transformation of Panchayats by focused intervention in 9 thematic areas.

3. Sustainable development: Apart from traditional indicators on infrastructure, socio-economic indicators,
PDI also captures data on emerging areas like environmental cooperation, organic farming, waste
management, mental health, renewable energy use, etc. Capturing of such data will help ensure awareness

and action on these indicators.

4. Identify & scale best practices both sector and geography specific
5. Monitor progress of outcome indicators at required frequency of intervals
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