ISBN: 978-93-94174-93-1

Understanding Associations among Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 1.0 Indicators in Odisha: Evidence from Correlation Analysis

Faculty in Rural Statistics, State institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Odisha, India

Rural development is inherently multidimensional, requiring simultaneous progress across economic, social, environmental, and institutional domains. To assess and monitor such development at the grassroots level, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, introduced the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 1.0, a comprehensive framework aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Localisation of SDGs agenda. This chapter examines the interrelationships among the nine thematic dimensions of PAI 1.0 across the districts of Odisha for the year 2022–23. The thematic dimensions include Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods, Healthy Panchayat, Child-Friendly Panchayat, Water-Sufficient Panchayat, Clean and Green Panchayat, Self-Sufficient Infrastructure Panchayat, Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat, Good Governance Panchayat, and Women-Friendly Panchayat. The study employs correlation analysis as a statistical tool to evaluate the strength and direction of associations among the thematic indicators. By investigating the degree of interconnectedness between different development dimensions, the analysis provides insights into how progress in one sector influences outcomes in others. The findings reveal that rural development indicators are highly interdependent, highlighting the importance of integrated planning and coordinated policy implementation at the Panchayat level. Strong positive correlations among several thematic areas indicate that improvements in governance, infrastructure, health, education, livelihoods, and social inclusion often occur simultaneously, contributing to overall Panchayat advancement. The chapter demonstrates the utility of PAI 1.0 as a robust framework for evidence-based assessment of local development performance. The findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers, administrators, and development practitioners in identifying developmental synergies, addressing sectoral gaps, and formulating targeted interventions. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the need for holistic and integrated rural development strategies to achieve sustainable, inclusive, and equitable growth across Panchayats in Odisha.

*Corresponding author; e-mail: lubnasadiyah@gmail.com

Cite this Chapter: Srinibasa Sahoo. 2026. Understanding Associations among Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 1.0 Indicators in Odisha: Evidence from Correlation Analysis. In: Dr. Lubna Suraiya Dr. P. Kanchana (Eds.). Commerce Reimagined: The Future of Trade and Transactions (Vol-IV). Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 91-111. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-93-1_4_6