Panchayati Raj Devolution Index 2024: Karnataka Tops, Followed by Kerala & TN

Current Context: The Panchayati Raj Devolution Index 2024 report, titled "Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking 2024", was released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on February 13, 2025. 

• The report assesses the progress of decentralization across states and Union Territories, evaluating six key dimensions: framework, functions, finances, functionaries, capacity building, and accountability.

The top three performing states in the index are:

• Karnataka
• Kerala
• Tamil Nadu
• The report aims to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and realize the vision of Local Self-Government as outlined in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. 
• It serves as a tool for cooperative federalism and local self-governance, enabling states to identify areas for improvement and adopt best practices for more effective Panchayat administration.

Question:

1. Which state topped the Panchayati Raj Devolution Index 2024, released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj?

• A) Kerala
• B) Tamil Nadu
• C) Karnataka
• D) Maharashtra

Answer: C) The Panchayati Raj Devolution Index 2024, released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on February 13, 2025, ranked Karnataka as the top-performing state in terms of decentralization to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).