Shillong, Nov 19: In view of the recent confusion and opposition surrounding the Panchayati Advancement Index (PAI) survey, the District Administration of South West Garo Hills convened a meeting with A’king Nokmas from across the district to clarify concerns.
PAI is a multi-domain, multi-sectoral tool used to assess the holistic development, performance, and progress of panchayats—or villages, as applicable in the context of Meghalaya.
During the discussion, officials provided detailed clarification on the purpose, methodology, and significance of the PAI survey, which is being conducted across villages to evaluate local governance performance and identify development gaps.
It may be recalled that the Nokmas from various A’kings under South West Garo Hills had recently convened at the Damalgre unit of the Nokma Council Office to express their opposition to the government-undertaken PAI survey.
They had asserted that, under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, such surveys are not applicable in tribal states like Meghalaya, where development activities are to be implemented through the Autonomous District Councils.
However, following the meeting the Nokmas agreed to extend full cooperation to ensure the smooth completion of the PAI survey for the benefit of all communities.
The meeting was attended by RZD Shira, MCS, Project Director, SRES-DID, CRN Sangma, MCS, BDO Betasing, AK Marak, BDO Purakhasia; along with official members of the Council of Nokmas, including D. Ch. Marak, General Secretary; SR Marak, Advisor; Daniel Ingty, Advisor (Agriculture); and other members.
