The Ministry of Education has recently released the report on Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0, which evaluates the performance of the school education system at the state/UT level. PGI 2.0 aims to analyze the comprehensive aspects of the education system and propel states and UTs towards achieving optimal education outcomes. With 73 indicators grouped into two categories and further divided into six domains, the index provides a framework for assessing and improving the education system.
Understanding the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0:
- Comprehensive Analysis of Education System: PGI 2.0 assesses the performance of the school education system in states/UTs through a comprehensive index. It aims to provide a holistic picture of the education landscape by considering various dimensions.
- Objectives of PGI 2.0: The main objective of PGI 2.0 is to drive states and UTs towards implementing multi-pronged interventions that will lead to optimal education outcomes. The index acts as a tool for monitoring and evaluating progress in the education system.
Structure and Domains of PGI 2.0:
- Categories and Indicators: PGI 2.0 comprises 1,000 points distributed across 73 indicators, which are grouped into two categories: outcomes and governance management (GM). These indicators cover various aspects of the education system, including learning outcomes, access, infrastructure, equity, governance processes, and teacher education and training.
- Grading System: States/UTs are classified into ten grades based on their PGI score for the year 2021-22. The highest achievable grade is Daksh, awarded to states/UTs scoring more than 940 out of 1,000 points. On the other hand, the lowest grade is Akanshi-3, given to states/UTs with a score up to 460 points.
Impact and Significance of PGI 2.0:
- Aligned with Policy Initiatives: The indicators of PGI 2.0 have been aligned with policy initiatives and interventions introduced post the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This alignment allows for proper tracking of progress and ensures that the education system is aligned with the goals of the NEP.
- Identifying Gaps and Prioritizing Interventions: PGI 2.0 serves as a valuable tool for states and UTs to identify gaps in their education system. By pinpointing these gaps, decision-makers can prioritize areas for intervention and allocate resources to strengthen the education system at all levels.
Grades Achieved and Performance of States/UTs:
- Top Performing States/UTs: In 2019-20, Punjab, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Kerala secured the highest positions in the index. During the Covid period in 2020-21, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Punjab emerged as the best-performing states.
- Grades and Rankings: Punjab and Chandigarh were placed in the sixth grade (Prachesta-2), while six states achieved the seventh grade (Prachesta-3). The three poorest performing states/UTs were Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
