Public Affairs Index 2018: HP best governed among small states

Kerala stands as the best governed state in the country and Karnataka is at the fourth position, said the Public Affairs Index 2018 released by the think tank Public Affairs Centre (PAC).

About Public Affairs Index:
Released annually since 2016, the index examines governance performance in the states through a data-based framework, ranking them on social and economic development they are able to provide. Founded in 1994 by renowned Indian economist and scholar late Samuel Paul, the think tank works to mobilise a demand for better governance in the country.

Criteria used:
The states were divided into two categories — large and small — on the basis of their population. States with more than two crore population were considered large. A total of 30 focus subjects and 100 indicators were measured to derive the PAI, relying solely upon government data.

Best & worst performers in large state category:
Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka and Gujarat followed Kerala among the top five states delivering good governance, according to the report. Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar ranked the lowest on the PAI, indicating higher social and economic inequalities in the states.

Best & worst performers in small state category:
Among smaller states (with population less than two crore), Himachal Pradesh topped the list, followed by Goa, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura which figured among the top five states with good governance. Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya were ranked at the bottom of the index among small states.
 

By: Dr. Vivek Rana