Yupia, 18 Aug: “The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 will be the report card of the district. Hence, data must be authentic and reliable, so that necessary interventions can be planned in gram segments lagging behind in certain indicators,” said Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Vishakha Yadav, chairing an awareness meeting on PAI 2.0 with all stakeholder departments here on Monday.
The DC underlined the objectives of PAI 2.0 and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She stressed that achieving the Localized SDGs (LSDGs) through PAI 2.0 would serve as “the true indicators of grassroots development.”
The DC called for close coordination between gram panchayat chairpersons and the member secretaries of the gram panchayats to ensure submission of accurate data.
She directed all departments to appoint nodal officers for data collection and uploading to the PAI 2.0 portal, reminding that district-level data must be submitted to the state by the end of September. The appointment of nodal officers, she instructed, should be completed promptly by 21 August.
Highlighting the district’s performance, the DC observed that Papum Pare’s indicators are presently low, and urged all stakeholders to work collectively to improve the scores.
ADC Tame Yajum noted that Papum Pare is in a unique situation, with jurisdictional overlaps with the ICR in certain departments, making better inter-departmental coordination essential for the effective implementation of PAI 2.0.
She further informed that block-level training programme on PAI 2.0 and LSDGs were conducted earlier this month and a few more intensive training programmes are in the pipeline, aimed at improving panchayat performance, aligning local governance with SDG themes, and promoting inclusive, participatory rural development in the region.
Technical Assistant Nabam Kuku gave a detailed presentation on PAI 2.0, and apprised the members of the performance status of various gram panchayat segments. He pointed out that many panchayats are lagging behind in the themes of ‘clean and green panchayat’ and ‘self-sufficient infrastructure panchayat’, and urged the member secretaries to ensure accurate ground-level reporting in coordination with line departments.
The meeting was followed by an interactive session, during which the HoDs had their queries clarified.
The meeting was attended by HoDs, member secretaries, and officials of the Panchayat Department.
In Dibang Valley district, a five-day block-level training programme focused on PAI 2.0 and LSDGs commenced on Monday in Etalin.
The initiative, conducted by the State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), Itanagar, is taking place within the community development blocks of the district and includes specific training on creating women-friendly villages, particularly concerning the Etalin gram panchayat.
The programme was inaugurated in the presence of officials including SIRD Deputy Director Dr Narayan Sahoo, DPDO Lijum Ete, Etalin ZPM Bindu Milli, Member Secretary Pemiya Mikrow, CDPO Hasiya Meto, and ArSRLM Block Mission Manager (BMM) Taring Nehru, along with gram panchayat chairpersons, members of the PRIs and self-help groups, ASHAs, and anganwadi workers.
In his address, DPDO Ete emphasized that women are central to the functioning of households and communities, underscoring the necessity for genuine economic and political empowerment. He also addressed the escalating concerns regarding drug abuse and alcoholism within the district.
Dr Sahoo conducted an in-depth session on women-friendly panchayats, highlighting the positive aspects of local governance. BMM Nehru presented information on various schemes and programmes aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods and women’s empowerment.
The Etalin CDPO spoke on the legal services available at community levels for women.
The programme concluded with a session dedicated to health issues and the provision of special care for women through existing schemes and initiatives. (DIPROs)
