Public Affairs Index 2019

Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2019: Governance in the States of India
Research Team / Authors: Gurucharan Gollerkeri; Dr. Asha Subramanian; Udita Dutta; Aparna Sivaraman; Mrinalini Kabbur.
Published by: Public Affairs Centre (PAC)

Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2019: Governance in the States of India presents a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for assessing and comparing the quality of governance across Indian states in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Developed by the Public Affairs Centre (PAC), the report introduces a scientifically rigorous composite index based on 3 governance pillars (Growth, Equity, and Sustainability), 5 governance themes, 13 SDGs, and 49 indicators, using government data and statistical techniques including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), logarithmic transformation, normalised Z-scores, and composite index modelling to rank state performance. The report examines the relationship between governance and development outcomes, highlighting how state-level institutions, policies, and public service delivery influence inclusive growth, social equity, environmental sustainability, and citizen welfare. It provides pillar-wise and overall rankings of large and small states, identifies strengths and governance gaps across regions, and offers state-specific diagnostics to support evidence-based policymaking and institutional reforms. The report concludes that strengthening subnational governance, improving accountability, and adopting data-driven policy interventions are essential for achieving balanced, equitable, and sustainable development, while positioning the Public Affairs Index as a practical tool for measuring governance performance and guiding future reforms across Indian states.