STATE-LEVEL WORKSHOP ON PANCHAYAT ADVANCEMENT INDEX 2.0 HELD AT SIRD&PR KARFECTAR, NAMCHI DISTRICT
Publish Date : 11/07/2025
Namchi, 11 July (IPR): In a significant move towards enhancing governance and grassroots development, a State-Level Workshop on Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 was organised today by the Department of Panchayati Raj and the State Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), Government of Sikkim. The event took place at the conference hall of SIRD&PR, Karfectar, Jorethang.
Addressing the participants, the Minister for Rural Development and Cooperation Departments, Mr Arun Kumar Upreti, emphasised the need for simplification of the Panchayat Advancement Index to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and capable of utilising the platform effectively.
He urged officials to adopt a result-oriented approach and called for a collective team effort across departments to ensure swift and impactful development of each Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU).
He pledged his full support to all officers and stakeholders working towards the successful implementation of the PAI.
Secretary of Panchayati Raj Mr Dushyant Priyar, informed the gathering about the constitution of a State-Level Taskforce Committee tasked with overseeing the progress and implementation of the index. He stressed the importance of accurate and well-channelled data collection, and urged all departments to collaborate closely for holistic GPU development.
In her address, Director General of SIRD&PR Ms Kesang D. Rechung (IAS), highlighted PAI 2.0 as a powerful mechanism to enhance transparency and accountability in governance. She noted that the platform offers various indicators and thematic areas for targeted development within GPUs.
She also acknowledged the Minister’s ongoing support in furthering the objectives of the department.
District Collector of Namchi Ms Anupa Tamling, drew attention to challenges such as poor network connectivity in shadow areas and recommended greater inter-departmental coordination. She also proposed the organisation of awareness programmes and the consistent implementation of schemes in all GPUs.
Similarly, DC Gyalshing Mr Tenzing D. Denzongpa, underscored the importance of Gram Sabhas and advocated for their urgent activation. He also recommended the formation of data teams for timely collection and accurate data input, and stressed the need for Gram Prashasan Kendras in every GPU.
Director of SIRD&PR Mr Bishal Mukhia reiterated the significance of PAI as a data- and evidence-based competitive platform that drives development among GPUs. He encouraged all officers and stakeholders to focus on the indicators and submit factual and verifiable data to ensure effective indexing and ranking.
The workshop also featured technical sessions led by Panchayat Coordinator Mr Khemraj Chettri, who detailed the data flow process and the role of district and block administrations.
Faculty member Mr C B Manger presented an overview of PAI 2.0, including its objectives, components, and key indicators.
As part of the event, the Minister launched the User Guide for Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0. He also inaugurated the Adult Learning Centre within the SIRD&PR Karfectar campus.
The event was also attended by ADCs, BDOs and officers from concerned department.