Sat Feb 15 15:34:06 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Ranks Third Nationally in Panchayat Devolution Index

**Chennai, February 15, 2025** – Tamil Nadu has secured third place nationally in the Panchayat Devolution Index (PDI) 2024, scoring 68.38, trailing only Karnataka (72.23) and Kerala (70.59). The ranking, based on a study by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) commissioned by the Union Panchayati Raj Ministry, was released on Friday in New Delhi by Union Minister of State S. P. Singh Baghel.

While Tamil Nadu’s overall PDI score places it third, the state achieved the highest national score (60.24) in the “functions” dimension, which assesses the assignment of responsibilities and involvement in government schemes. This high score reflects the state’s proactive approach in utilizing local bodies for implementing schemes, instead of relying on unelected institutions.

The state also performed strongly in “capacity enhancement/building” (second place with 84.29) and “functionaries” (second place with 84.25), showcasing its investment in training and personnel. Tamil Nadu’s scores in other dimensions were: “framework” (66.83), “finances” (55.78), and “accountability” (71). The national average PDI score was 43.89.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin concurrently launched a new online portal enabling village panchayat consumers to pay taxes online. The IIPA study highlighted Tamil Nadu’s high level of panchayat engagement in central and state schemes and its strong performance in training initiatives. However, the study also noted that Tamil Nadu’s share of panchayat revenue in state revenue (0.31% in 2021-22) was lower than Kerala (2.84%), Andhra Pradesh (2.42%), and Karnataka (0.67%). The term of office for a significant number of elected representatives in Tamil Nadu’s panchayats recently expired, resulting in the appointment of special officers.

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