The Panchayat Devolution Index 2024 is a report released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, which assesses the autonomy and empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across Indian states and Union Territories. It evaluates the devolution of powers and resources across six critical dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability.

  • Tamil Nadu has been ranked third at the all-India level under the Panchayat Devolution Index (PDI).
  • The State has received a score of 68.38 next to Karnataka (72.23) and Kerala (70.59).
  • Overall Devolution: The overall devolution to rural local bodies has increased from 39.9% in 2013-14 to 43.9% in 2021-22.
  • State Rankings: The top 5 states are Karnataka (1st), Kerala (2nd), Tamil Nadu (3rd), Maharashtra (4th), and Uttar Pradesh (5th). The lowest-ranked States/UTs are Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Puducherry, and Ladakh.
  • Improvements in Infrastructure: Government efforts have strengthened PRIs through infrastructure, staffing, and digitalization, raising the functionaries index from 39.6% to 50.9%. The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA, 2018) boosted the capacity enhancement component of the Index from 44% to 54.6%.
  • Performance Across 6 Dimensions:
  • Framework: Kerala has a robust legal and institutional framework for Panchayats.
  • Functions: Tamil Nadu has devolved functional responsibilities to Panchayats.
  • Finances: Karnataka has the best financial management practices.
  • Functionaries: Gujarat has strong personnel management and capacity-building efforts.
  • Capacity Enhancement: Telangana has shown institutional strengthening efforts.
  • Accountability: Karnataka demonstrates transparency and financial accountability.
  • Weak Financial Autonomy: Non-implementation of State Finance Commissions (SFCs) recommendations, centralized GST, and lack of fiscal autonomy restrict Panchayats’ financial control.
  • Poor Resource Capacity: Elected representatives often lack proper training in governance, budgeting, and planning.
  • Recommendations: The report stresses strict monitoring of funds, strengthening Panchayat Bhawans, empowering Panchayats with full devolution of powers, strengthening SFCs, and enhancing digital infrastructure.