114/2026-2027

Dated Aizawl, the 26th May, 2026: Prof. Lalnilawma, Minister of Rural Development & Administration Department (RD&AD) graced the "PAI 2.0 Report Card" release programme today as the Chief Guest. The event, organized by the Rural Development & Administration Department (RD&AD), Government of Mizoram, was held at the newly inaugurated Conference Hall of the Directorate of Local Administration.

Prof. Lalnilawma, Minister of RD&AD addressed  the gathering after inaugurating the new Conference Hall. He highlighted the utility of the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0, an initiative of the Local Administration Department (LAD). The honourable Minister expressed his satisfaction with the release of the PAI 2.0 Report Card within this year, noting that the various PAI indicators will be highly crucial for community development. The Minister stated that as key leaders driving grassroots development, Village Councils (VCs) bear a heavy responsibility as the primary data collection sources through the PAI framework. He added that since the 9 themes of the Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) are closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implemented by the Central Government as framed by the United Nations (UN), it is imperative to remain mindful of their importance and be thoroughly well-versed in these 9 themes. 

Prof. Lalnilawma expressed immense pride that no locality across Mizoram fell under 'Grade D' (Beginner) across the 9 themes. He noted that it is highly gratifying that under Theme 5 (Clean and Green Village), Kawrthah North VC secured a prestigious award from the Central Government. Deliberating on the 9 LSDGs themes, the Minister pointed out that there is still vast room for development across the country. He emphasized that these themes must be utilized as a guiding framework. He stated that to realize the Central Government's grand vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, progress must be driven from the grassroots level while keeping the LSDGs themes in mind, adding that operating with a close eye on the PAI indicators will usher in real development. 

The Chief Guest remarked that VCs genuinely require empowerment, stressing that they still need extensive capacity building and quality training. He urged the departments supervising VCs to collaborate and make concerted efforts. Prof. Lalnilawma exhorted the assembled government officials and local leaders to consistently utilize the PAI 2.0 Report Card as the primary 'mirror' for self-evaluation to achieve further progress. 

Dr. Lalngura Tlau, Director of LA, RD&AD, presented the Panchayat Advancement Index report and delivered a detailed explanation of the new PAI framework and its significance. Highlighting government initiatives, he stated that while the PAI 1.0 Report was released last year, PAI 2.0 is being released this year, and PAI 3.0 will be implemented subsequently based on the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26. PAI 2.0 uses FY 2023-24 as its baseline, whereas PAI 1.0 was based on FY 2022-23. He further explained that while PAI 1.0 comprised 516 indicators and 794 data points, PAI 2.0 has introduced a 71% reduction to streamline workloads, bringing it down to just 150 indicators and 230 data points, which has significantly eased data collection. As this collected data must be thoroughly validated by the Village Councils (VCs), the PAI initiative relies heavily on VCs, making it vital to collect data transparently. 

Underscoring the importance of PAI, Dr. Lalngura Tlau stated that it is an essential tool to clearly monitor the year-round performance of VCs toward community development. He noted that the progress of various VCs can be viewed through the lens of the 9 Localisation of SDGs (LSDGs) themes. He added that it is a matter of great satisfaction that under the 5th theme, "Clean and Green Village," Kawrthah North VC from Mizoram secured the top position in India, receiving a cash award of 1 crore. 

Based on their composite PAI scores, Village Councils are classified into five performance categories as follows: 

• D Grade (0-40 marks): Beginner
• C Grade (40-60 marks): Aspirant
• B Grade (60-75 marks): Performer
• A Grade (75-90 marks): Frontrunner
• A+ Grade (90 and above): Achiever 

The Director concluded his report by mentioning that the government will present recognition awards to the various Village Councils that score above 90 marks ('Achievers' or A+ Grade) across the 9 LSDGs themes. 

The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) is a comprehensive assessment tool launched by the Indian Ministry of Panchayati Raj to evaluate the performance and socio-economic development of Gram Panchayats across India. It serves as a continuous tracking mechanism for rural development and data-driven governance, helping to successfully realize the Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs). 

Today's programme was chaired by Shri Lalchawimawia, Joint Director (Admin), LA, RD&AD, and Shri RC. Lalzarzova, JE, LA, RD&AD, led the invocation prayer. Short speeches were also delivered by Shri R. Lalremsanga, Director of SIRD&PR, and Shri FP Laikhama, President of the All Mizoram Village Council Association. 

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Manesia Khaimeichho, Deputy Director, LA, RD&AD.