Imtiyaz Ahmad
Developmental indices play key role in bridging the developmental deficit of a particular area. We are familiar with “Human Development Index”, wherein developmental transition of countries is measured statistically with regard to outcome parameters. The index assigns more weight to social parameters than the infrastructure and hence out rightly rejects the belief that only incurring of budgetary resources can bring transformation.
Jammu and Kashmir, So far, has not been exposed to formation of Human Development index, or any development index at District, Block or Panchayat level. This indicates much of work is required to be done in this area to witness real developmental transformation which is measured statistically. Never late to start, we should prepare these indices for all Districts, Blocks and Panchayats of Jammu and Kashmir.
An effort has been made by launch of Panchayat Development index in District Bandipora by the District Administration Bandipora on 21-12-2019 and dashboard “www.realchangers.com” for data entry in all its 151 Panchayats is under preparation through a technical team from Rajasthan.
Panchayat Development Index (PDI) is a vital statistical tool to capture movement in Development at grass root level and to witness impact of centrally sponsored schemes at Panchayat level. The index is applicable to all Panchayats across the country. The index shall evaluate a base score of each Panchayat and keep stakeholders viz. District officers, PRI functionaries, frontline workers etc motivated towards improving PDI through a real time monitoring feature. There are 81 outcome indicators in PDI, spread over six thematic areas of Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied, Skill & Self Employment, Financial inclusion and Basic infrastructure with suitable weightage. The index is modified version of successful Programme TAD (transformation of Aspirational District) of NITI AYOG and 18 indicators have been used from TAD Programme having relevance to MDG (Millennium Development Goals) of United Nations. Fresh 63 outcome indicators have been devised after elaborative discussions with District officers & PRI functionaries.
A booklet titled “Panchayat Development Index” has also been prepared and was formally released on 21-12-2019 by the District Development Commissioner Bandipore. Apart from index details, suggestive measures have been worked out with stakeholders to improve the outcome indicators as articulated in chapter 2 of the booklet. The Government Departments are actively involved at present in filling of data at Panchayat level. The index has infused a fresh breeze of deep dive working, with new interface, among the Officers and officials. Zonal Officers have also started roll out of activities for improving indicators. As was envisaged the game is going to be interesting once first incremental ranks will be published with each Panchayat finding its place between 1st and 151th place as per unique score assigned based on periodic data entry.
Looking forward for real transformation of Hill District Bandipora.
(The author is Joint Director Planning Chief Planning Officer Bandipora)
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