Patil announces Panchayat Development Index to measure village development

A 'Panchayat Development Index' has been formulated by the Centre to evaluate different indicators responsible for ensuring targeted development in villages, Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Kapil Moreshwar Patil said on Wednesday.

The Index will be a compact statistical tool to measure and monitor development at panchayat level. On a pilot basis, data from four districts in Maharashtra -- Pune, Sangli, Satara and Solapur -- was compiled.

Patil along with Panchayati Raj secretary Sunil Kumar and other government officials launched a report of the Panchayat Development Index Committee which will provide a way forward with Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).

"This is a huge achievement. Many times, even the sarpanch is not aware of where they stand in terms of development. The pilot project happened in four districts of Maharashtra, now they know where they are lacking," the minister said.

"It will also help in preparing a roadmap for the future. There are nin