State Mechanisms for Panchayat Development Index (PDI) Success
Introduction:
In pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in rural areas, various stakeholders, including Departments, State Government, NITI Aayog, and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), have embarked on a transformative journey. This blog delves into the pivotal role of these entities in evolving nine thematic approaches to achieve SDGs in rural settings.
The Ministry's recent endeavor to localize SDGs for evidence-based planning culminated in the release of the Panchayat Development Index (PDI) report during the National Workshop in June 2023. This comprehensive report, accessible via the Ministry's website, outlines the mechanisms for calculating scores across nine thematic areas, reflecting the multidimensional progress of Panchayats towards SDGs.
State Mechanisms for Panchayat Development Index (PDI) Success
Further enhancing understanding, a National Write-Shop on PDI facilitated hands-on practice for representatives, emphasizing data collection and validation through the PDI Portal. The engagement of Union Ministries, State Departments, and grassroots stakeholders is deemed critical for ensuring the quality and accuracy of data essential for PDI computation.
As the baseline report for PDI 2023-24 takes shape, it not only serves as a benchmark for monitoring SDG progress but also aligns with flagship schemes and programs at local levels. Capacity building emerges as a pivotal aspect, necessitating concerted efforts and structured evaluation mechanisms involving various stakeholders.
To streamline the PDI preparation process, clear-cut roles are to be assigned, and steering committees are to be constituted at different levels. Annexures accompanying this communication offer insights into strategic institutional arrangements and the validation mechanism to propel PDI implementation forward.
Annexure -I
Strategic Institutional Mechanisms for Advancing the Panchayat Development Index (PDI)
1. Institutional Mechanisms
a) Formation of State Steering Committee:
Establishing a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary to oversee the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Panchayats.
b) Identification of Nodal Officers:
Appointing Nodal Officers at State, District, and Block levels within line departments for effective coordination.
c) Constitution of District and Block Level Committees:
Forming committees at the district and block levels to steer and validate PDI initiatives.
d) Issuance of Instructions/Advisories:
Providing guidance and directives from various line departments to ensure smooth implementation.
e) Appointment of State Nodal Officer:
Designating a State Nodal Officer to oversee PDI activities at the state level.
2. Implementing Mechanisms
a) State Write-Shop on PDI Portal:
Conducting workshops to familiarize stakeholders with the PDI portal and data collection processes for preparing the Baseline Report.
b) Consultative Meetings:
Engaging key line departments to identify data sources and map data points for local indicators.
c) Capacity Building and Training:
Providing training and support to Nodal Officers and stakeholders to enhance understanding and implementation of PDI initiatives.
d) Translation of Indicators:
Translating local indicators into regional languages for better comprehension.
e) Convergent Planning and Monitoring:
Promoting collaborative planning, implementation, and monitoring across different levels for efficient data sharing and collection.
f) Involvement of Experts:
Engaging domain experts from international and non-governmental organizations, as well as academic institutions, to support state efforts.
g) Baseline Report Preparation:
Compiling the Baseline Report of PDI to assess initial status and progress.
h) Panchayat Incentivization:
Introducing incentives for Panchayats based on Baseline PDI data.
i) Documentation of Progress:
Recording progress in Gram Panchayats (GPs) on the Local Indicator Framework (LIF).
j) Development of Panchayat Development Plans:
Formulating plans based on PDI findings.
3. Monitoring & Validation Mechanisms
a) Data Capture Strategy:
Developing strategic mechanisms for capturing data from various sources at the field level.
b) Data Validation:
Ensuring data validation by Nodal Officers of Line Departments at block and district levels.
c) Standardization and Validation Systems:
Establishing systems for standardization and validation at different levels.
d) Support for GPs:
Assisting GPs in reviewing and monitoring local indicators and setting actionable points.
e) Assessment of Progress:
Evaluating the progress of GPs based on thematic scores of PDI.
f) Policy Formulation:
Creating a roadmap for evidence-based policy formulation to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based on PDI.
4. Capacity Building & Training
a) Training for Elected Representatives:
Providing training for Panchayat representatives and frontline workers of line departments.
b) Handholding Training:
Offering guidance and support for facilitators involved in data collection.
c) Development of Training Modules:
Creating training modules in local languages for wider accessibility.
Annexure-II
1 ) State Level Steering Committee
The State Level Steering Committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, has been established to localize the Sustainable Development Goals in Panchayats. Comprising members from key line departments and stakeholders, this committee also serves as the State level Steering Committee for Planning and Monitoring of Quality Data. Its primary objectives include the preparation of Baseline Reports and computation of the Panchayat Development Index (PDI).
Key Functions:Development of Strategies:
The PDI Steering Committee will formulate strategies to ensure a robust validation process, enhancing the credibility of data collection and the institution of PDI.
State Data Validation Team:
A sub-committee of the State Steering Committee, consisting of senior officers from Departments of Panchayati Raj & Rural Development, Planning, Statistics, Monitoring, and Implementation, will validate the accuracy and quality of field data collected from line department offices at the block level.
Configuration of Offices:
The State Team will configure field offices for data collection and line department offices for validation at the block level, in consultation with respective line departments.
Quality Assurance:
In cases of disagreement with field data quality, the State Team can revert the data to District Teams for reconfirmation by Gram Panchayats (GPs).
Supervision and Finalization:
The State Team will supervise data collection from various sources at the Panchayat level and oversee the finalization and locking of data at the State level.
2 ) District Level Monitoring Committee
Chaired by the District Magistrate, the District Level Monitoring Committee ensures the quality of data collection processes. Its members include the CEO of Zilla Parishad/Chief Development Officer, the District Statistical Officer, and Nodal Officers from line departments.
Functions:
Data Validation:
A sub-committee of the District Monitoring Committee, led by the CEO of Zilla Parishad/Chief Development Officer, validates data received from block levels and confirms GP-wise data accuracy.
Reconfirmation Process:
If discrepancies arise, data can be reverted to Block Teams for reconfirmation by GPs before submission to the State Team.
Submission:
Once GP data sets are validated, the District Team submits them to the State Team for final validation.
3 ) Sub-Divisional Level Monitoring Committee
Chaired by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or respective officers, this committee ensures quality data collection at the block level. The SDM/SDO provides strategic direction and monitors the entire data collection process.
Functions:
Strategic Direction:
The SDM/SDO directs block level offices and line department officers to ensure data accuracy.
Review and Monitoring:
They review and monitor the data collection process at the block level and facilitate data collection at the GP level.
Meeting Conduction:
Regular meetings are conducted by the SDM/SDO to oversee data collection and validation processes.
Block Level Data Validation Mechanism
Led by Block Development Officers (BDO) and Heads of Line Departments, this mechanism ensures GP-wise data accuracy at the block level.
Key Activities:
Data Validation:
BDOs and Department Heads validate GP-wise data mapped to their respective departments.
Reconfirmation Process:
Disputed data points are reverted to GPs for reconfirmation before being edited or revalidated.
Submission:
Validated GP data is submitted for final validation and aggregation by BDOs on the portal.
Engagement:
BDOs engage Vikas Sahayak/Facilitators for data collection and entry, coordinating with concerned departments and convening meetings.
Review and Monitoring:
BDOs review and monitor GP progress in data collection and ensure data approval through Gram Sabha before submission on the portal by Panchayat Secretary/PDO.
Annexure-III
Stakeholder Role Assignment at Different Levels
Data Source & Validation Team:
Identification of Data Points:
The Validation Team identifies the data points available within the Gram Panchayat.
Identification of Registers/Formats:Any additional data points required are identified for collection through surveys.
Vikas Sahayak (Facilitator):
Institution Visits:
Facilitators visit various institutions like Anganwadi Centers (AWC), Primary Health Centers (PHC), Schools, etc., to collect data.
Data Authentication:
They ensure the collected data is duly authenticated and obtained in hard copy form.
Line Department Facilitation:
All Line Departments are engaged to support data collection efforts.
Data Entry:
They meticulously enter the collected data into the Portal and upload the PDFs of hard copies.
Form Submission:
Completed forms are submitted to the Gram Panchayat Secretary (GP Secretary) or Panchayat Development Officer (PDO).
Gram Panchayat Secretary:
Download and Approval:
They download the uploaded forms from the portal and present them before the Gram Sabha for approval.
Submission for Block Level Validation:
Upon approval, the forms are submitted on the portal for Block Level Validation/Scrutiny.
Block Level Officers/Team:
Validation:
Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Heads of Line Departments validate the Gram Panchayat wise data mapped to their respective departments.
Disagreement Resolution:
In case of disagreement, data points may be reverted to the Gram Panchayat for reconfirmation.
Final Validation:
Once the entire dataset of a Gram Panchayat is validated, it is submitted to the BDO for final validation.
District Team:
Validation:
The District Team validates the Gram Panchayat wise data received from the BDOs.
Disagreement Resolution:
Any disagreements lead to data points being reverted to the Block level for reconfirmation by the Gram Panchayat.
Final Validation: Once the entire dataset of a Gram Panchayat is validated, it is submitted to the State Team for final validation.
State Team:
Validation:
The State Team validates the data received from the District level.
Disagreement Resolution:
In case of disagreements, data points can be reverted to the District for reconfirmation by the Gram Panchayat.
Submission for Scoring:
Upon validation of the entire dataset of a Gram Panchayat, it is submitted for scoring.
In conclusion,
achieving evidence-based planning and assessing developmental progress through Panchayat Development Index (PDI) mandates collective efforts and collaboration among State departments, PRIs, and stakeholders. The blog underscores the importance of leadership and guidance in steering this endeavor towards its fruition.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into each thematic approach and the role of stakeholders in realizing sustainable development goals at the grassroots level.
Pravin Zende
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