Explanation: The Performance Grading Index (PGI) is a comprehensive tool used by the Indian government to evaluate the performance of states and Union Territories (UTs) based on various governance and development parameters. The PGI is designed to assess the performance of states and UTs in areas such as governance, economic development, social development, and infrastructure. The index is updated annually and provides a comparative analysis of the performance of different states and UTs.
In the Performance Grading Index 2017-18, Chandigarh was adjudged the best performing state/UT. This ranking is based on a detailed evaluation of various parameters that include governance, economic development, social development, and infrastructure. Chandigarh, being a Union Territory, has a unique administrative structure and governance model that contributed to its high performance in the PGI.
The PGI 2017-18 evaluated states and UTs based on a set of predefined criteria that are designed to measure the overall performance and development of the region. These criteria include factors such as the quality of governance, economic growth, social indicators like health and education, and infrastructure development. Chandigarh's performance in these areas was exceptional, leading to its top ranking in the PGI 2017-18.
It is important to note that the PGI is a dynamic tool, and the rankings can change from year to year based on the performance of the states and UTs. The PGI serves as a benchmark for states and UTs to identify areas of improvement and to strive for better performance in the subsequent years.
Understanding the Performance Grading Index and the factors that contribute to the ranking of states and UTs is crucial for students preparing for competitive exams such as the UPSC and State PSC. It provides insights into the governance and development strategies of different regions and helps in understanding the comparative performance of states and UTs in India.