News in Shorts: 06 June 2026

Panchayat Advancement Index Wins Gold at NAeG 2026

Context: The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) received the Gold Award at the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026 under Category VII: Digital Transformation through Data Analytics.

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National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG)

• Purpose: The National Awards for e-Governance are conferred annually to recognise and promote excellence in the implementation of e-Governance initiatives across the country.  
• Awarded By: Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG).
• Started In: Launched in 2003 to promote innovation, transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric governance.
• Award Components:
  • Gold Award: Trophy, certificate, and ₹10 lakh incentive.
  • Silver Award: Trophy, certificate, and ₹5 lakh incentive.
• Objective: Encourage replication of successful e-governance models and improve public service delivery through technology.

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Winners of National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026

• NAeG 2026 Awards: 
  • 17 projects selected across 7 award categories.
  • Awards include 10 Gold Awards, 6 Silver Awards, and 1 Jury Award.
• Major Award-Winning Initiatives:
  • Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI): Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
  • Agri Stack: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
  • e-Jagriti: Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
  • Mahakumbh 2025 Digital Management: Prayagraj Mela Authority.
  • AI-enabled eSanjeevani Clinical Decision Support System: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
  • Integrated Cyber Security Framework: Bank of Baroda.
• Jury Award: Real Time Precise Positioning Services through CORS Network by Survey of India.

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Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)

• PAI is India’s first comprehensive, data-driven framework for assessing and ranking the performance of Gram Panchayats.
• SDG-Based Evaluation: It measures progress under the Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) across 9 thematic areas.
• Coverage & Indicators: PAI 2.0 evaluates over 2.6 lakh Gram Panchayats using 150 indicators and 230 data points.
• Performance Classification: Based on composite scores, Gram Panchayats are classified into five performance categories, enabling evidence-based planning and governance.
• Developed By: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj to promote data-driven rural governance and Viksit Bharat goals.

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