Public Affairs Index 2018

Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2018: Governance in the States of India

Authors: Dr. C.K. Mathew; Dr. Lalita Pulavarti; Udita Dutta; Manasi Nikam; Devika Kannan; Sukriti Bhardwaj; Stuti Goswami; Nikhila Vijay; Mahadevan Nambiar

Published by: Public Affairs Centre (PAC)

Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2018: Governance in the States of India is the third edition of the Public Affairs Centre's (PAC) flagship governance assessment, presenting a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation of governance performance across Indian states through an expanded multidimensional framework. The report introduces a composite index built around 10 governance themes, 30 focus subjects, 100 indicators, and four grand pillars of capital: human, social, economic, and natural capital, using objective government data and statistical techniques to assess governance beyond conventional economic measures. In addition to ranking states on overall governance performance, the report incorporates a special chapter on "Children of India", highlighting child well-being through a dedicated set of indicators, while examining the relationship between governance quality, social development, equity, sustainability, fiscal management, transparency, justice, and human development. Emphasising the principles of data-driven decision-making, social accountability, and collaborative governance, the report argues that effective governance depends on strengthening state capacity, citizen participation, and evidence-based policymaking. It concludes that modernising governance systems, improving institutional accountability, balancing economic growth with equity and sustainability, and adopting multidimensional performance metrics are essential for advancing inclusive and sustainable development across India's states.