Public Affairs Index 2016

Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2016: Governance in the States of India
Authors: Dr. C.K. Mathew; Athreya Mukunthan; Vivek Divekar

Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2016: Governance in the States of India is the inaugural edition of the Public Affairs Centre's (PAC) governance assessment framework, providing a systematic, evidence-based evaluation of governance across Indian states through a composite index built on 10 governance themes, 25 focus subjects, and 68 indicators derived from publicly available government data. The report argues that governance should be assessed not merely by the existence of institutions but by how effectively they function and deliver outcomes. Drawing on concepts advanced by the World Bank, UNDP, OECD, and Indian constitutional principles, it defines governance as the effective exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority that promotes economic efficiency, social justice, individual liberty, transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and inclusive development. The index evaluates states across key dimensions including essential infrastructure, human development, social protection, women and children, crime and law and order, justice delivery, environmental sustainability, transparency and accountability, fiscal management, and economic freedom. By ranking states using objective indicators and analysing governance outcomes over time wherever possible, the report seeks to identify strengths and weaknesses in state performance, encourage evidence-based policymaking, and provide governments, researchers, and citizens with a practical tool for improving governance quality and public service delivery across India.