Public Affairs Index 2017

Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2017: Governance in the States of India
Authors: Dr. C.K. Mathew; Udita Dutta; Architha Narayanan; Shulka Jalodia.
Published by: Public Affairs Centre

Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2017: Governance in the States of India is the second edition of the Public Affairs Centre's (PAC) flagship governance assessment, presenting a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation of governance across Indian states using a multidimensional framework of 10 governance themes, 26 focus subjects, and 82 indicators derived entirely from objective government data. The report expands the methodology introduced in PAI 2016 by incorporating additional governance indicators and introducing a special thematic assessment of inequality, examining economic disparity, gender bias, and social discrimination as critical dimensions of governance. Using a composite index that combines governance outcomes, institutional arrangements, and administrative processes, the report ranks states on overall governance performance while analysing key sectors such as infrastructure, human development, social protection, women and children, law and order, justice delivery, environmental sustainability, transparency and accountability, fiscal management, and economic freedom. It argues that effective governance requires a balanced integration of institutional capacity, evidence-based policymaking, citizen participation, accountability, and inclusive development. The report concludes that systematic measurement of governance through objective indicators can help states identify performance gaps, strengthen public institutions, reduce inequalities, and promote transparent, equitable, and sustainable governance across India.