New Delhi, Feb 15, 2025, Special Correspondent/ TT

New Delhi, Feb 15: Tripura figures among the top 10 states in terms of the Panchayat Devolution Index.

According to a report on the devolution of funds to panchayats, West Bengal too finds itself in the list of top 10 states.

The report titled "Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States - An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking" was released by Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj SP Singh Baghel here on Thursday.

Baghel said the Panchayat Devolution Index is crucial for the holistic, inclusive and sustainable development of India.

Karnataka topped the list followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Other states in the top 10 are Gujarat, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh, besides Tripura and West Bengal.

With a score between 50 and 55, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, fall under the category of "medium scoring states", showcasing "commendable" performance across all sub-indicators, the report said.

Congratulating the well-performing states, Baghel said Uttar Pradesh has jumped from the 15th rank in the previous index to the 5th position.

The report said the devolution to rural local bodies increased from 39.9 per cent to 43.9 per cent between 2013-14 and 2021-22.

It provides an in-depth analysis of how well panchayats are equipped to fulfil their constitutional roles in each state and highlights the work still needed to be done to fully function as institutions of local self-government.