In a bid to ensure Tripura retains its leading position in the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI), State Minister Kishor Barman convened a high-level review meeting with district officials, panchayat leaders, and rural development officers. The meeting, held at the Secretariat’s conference hall, focused on strengthening rural governance, improving service delivery, and enhancing transparency in panchayat functioning.
The Panchayat Advancement Index is a performance measurement framework used to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of panchayat-level governance. Tripura has consistently performed well in recent years, ranking among the top states due to its emphasis on decentralised planning, timely execution of welfare schemes, and community participation.
Focus Areas of the Review Meeting
Minister Barman highlighted that the state’s top rank in the index was not just a matter of prestige but also a recognition of grassroots governance excellence. He directed all officials to maintain high standards in key areas such as:
- Timely implementation of rural development schemes under MGNREGA, PMAY-G, and NRLM.
- Improved transparency through digital monitoring and public disclosure of fund utilisation.
- Active community participation in Gram Sabhas for better planning and accountability.
- Capacity building for panchayat functionaries to handle digital governance platforms.
- Faster grievance redressal for rural citizens, ensuring service delivery without delays.
| Performance Parameter | Tripura Score (2024) | National Average | Target for 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGNREGA Timely Payments (%) | 94 | 78 | 96 |
| Fund Utilisation Efficiency (%) | 91 | 75 | 95 |
| Gram Sabha Participation (%) | 88 | 70 | 92 |
| PMAY-G House Completion Rate (%) | 90 | 73 | 94 |
| Digital Record-Keeping (%) | 86 | 68 | 90 |
Tripura’s Achievements in PAI Rankings
Over the past three years, Tripura has steadily improved its governance indicators, surpassing many larger states. This success is attributed to a combination of policy reforms, community mobilisation, and the integration of technology into panchayat operations.
Key milestones include:
- Digitalisation of records and fund flow tracking across all Gram Panchayats.
- Near 100% rural job card coverage and prompt payment under MGNREGA.
- Widespread awareness campaigns to increase participation in local governance.
- Priority housing and sanitation projects completed ahead of schedule.
| Year | Tripura Rank in PAI | Overall Score | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3rd | 82.4 | Digitisation drive initiated |
| 2023 | 2nd | 88.7 | Record Gram Sabha turnout |
| 2024 | 1st | 92.5 | Timely fund utilisation and scheme delivery |
Action Plan to Retain Top Position
Minister Barman unveiled a five-point action plan to consolidate Tripura’s leadership in PAI rankings:
- Strengthen Monitoring Mechanisms – Regular inspection visits by district-level officers to assess panchayat activities.
- Improve Citizen Feedback Systems – Launch of a mobile app for villagers to register complaints and track resolution.
- Expand Skill Development – Training panchayat officials in financial management, e-governance tools, and data handling.
- Enhance Inter-Departmental Coordination – Better collaboration between rural development, health, education, and agriculture departments.
- Promote Women’s Leadership – Encouraging higher participation of women in decision-making roles within Gram Panchayats.
Emphasis on Technology and Transparency
During the meeting, the minister stressed that technology must be the backbone of rural governance. Initiatives such as GIS mapping of panchayat assets, real-time MGNREGA worksite monitoring, and digital attendance systems for panchayat staff are already being implemented.
Tripura’s rural development department is also planning to introduce blockchain-based fund tracking systems to prevent leakages and enhance public trust. Public dashboards displaying scheme progress and expenditure details will soon be accessible on the state’s official portal.
Public Engagement and Awareness
Officials were directed to intensify public awareness drives so that villagers are well-informed about government schemes and their entitlements. Gram Sabha meetings will be made more participatory, with special focus on involving youth, women, and marginalised groups in decision-making.
Minister Barman also stressed the need for celebrating Panchayat Diwas at the village level, showcasing best practices, and recognising outstanding performers in rural governance.
Roadmap Towards Sustainable Rural Development
The review meeting concluded with a strong message that maintaining the top position in the Panchayat Advancement Index is not an end in itself, but a means to deliver sustainable and inclusive development to the rural population.
Tripura aims to align panchayat-level governance with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, clean water, renewable energy, and livelihood opportunities for every rural household.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to “Rural Excellence Through People’s Participation”, emphasising that only active collaboration between panchayats, citizens, and state agencies can ensure long-term success.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements and publicly available data regarding Tripura’s Panchayat Advancement Index performance. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as policy or financial advice.
