Developmentalindices play key role in bridging the developmental deficit of a particulararea. We are familiar with “Human Development Index”, wherein developmentaltransition of countries is measured statistically with regard to outcomeparameters. The index assigns more weight to social parameters than theinfrastructure and hence outrightly rejects the belief that only incurring ofbudgetary resources can bring transformation.
Jammuand Kashmir, so far, has not been exposed to formation of Human Developmentindex, or any development index at District, Block or Panchayat level. Thisindicates much of work is required to be done in this area to witness realdevelopmental transformation which is measured statistically. Never late tostart, we should prepare these indices for all Districts, Blocks and Panchayatsof Jammu and Kashmir.
Aneffort has been made by the launching of Panchayat Development Index inDistrict Bandipore by the District Administration Bandipore on 21-12-2019 anddashboard “www.realchangers.com” for data entry in all its 151 Panchayats isunder preparation through a technical team from Rajasthan.
PanchayatDevelopment Index (PDI) is a vital statistical tool to capture movement inDevelopment at grassroots level and to witness impact of centrally sponsoredschemes at Panchayat level. The index is applicable to all Panchayats acrossthe country. The index shall evaluate a base score of each Panchayat and keepstakeholders viz. District officers, PRI functionaries, frontline workers etcmotivated towards improving PDI through a real time monitoring feature.
Thereare 81 outcome indicators in PDI, spread over six thematic areas of Health& Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied, Skill & SelfEmployment, Financial Inclusion and Basic infrastructure with suitableweightage. The index is modified version of successful Programme TAD(Transformation of Aspirational District) of NITI AYOG and 18 indicators havebeen used from TAD Programme having relevance to MDG (Millennium DevelopmentGoals) of United Nations. Fresh 63 outcome indicators have been devised afterelaborative discussions with District officers & PRI functionaries.
Abooklet titled “Panchayat Development Index” has also been prepared and wasformally released on 21-12-2019 by the District Development CommissionerBandipore. Apart from index details, suggestive measures have been worked outwith stakeholders to improve the outcome indicators as articulated in chapter 2of the booklet. The Government Departments are actively involved at present infilling of data at Panchayat level. The index has infused a fresh breeze ofdeep dive working, with new interface, among the Officers and officials. ZonalOfficers have also started roll out of activities for improving indicators. Aswas envisaged the game is going to be interesting once first incremental rankswill be published with each Panchayat finding its place between 1st and 151thplace as per unique score assigned based on periodic data entry.
Lookingforward for real transformation of Hill District Bandipore.
ImtiyazAhmad is Joint Director Planning, Chief Planning Officer, Bandipore