Imphal: Manipur was adjudged the worst-governed small state in governance performance among the small states in the 6th edition of Public Affairs Index 2021 prepared by Public Affairs Center (PAC), a Bengaluru non-profit think tank.
The Public Affairs Index series is an evidence-based assessment of the performance of states using only the central government data available on public domain, the PAC said.
The study was done based on ratings from the states in governance performance for sustainable development defined by three pillars – equity, growth and sustainability.
While Sikkim, Goa and Mizoram are winners among the small states, Manipur was placed last in the best-governed small states index 2021.
Similarly, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana grabbed the top three slots among the 18 large states in governance performance, while Uttar Pradesh was ranked among the bottom-three states under all three pillars.
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Also, among the Union Territories, Puducherry ranked first, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands ranked last.
This year’s study focussed on the COVID-19 response index and analysed each state’s response to the pandemic and the success achieved in handling its impact.
The study is an annual assessment of the adequacy and quality of governance in states. It also assessed the states’ implementation of five centrally sponsored-schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), National Health Mission, Integrated Child Development Services, Samagra Siksha Abhiyan and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
Reacting to the report, AICC observer for Manipur, MP Jairam Ramesh tweeted “The Bengaluru-based independent think tank, Public Affairs Centre has ranked states in terms of governance. Among large states, Uttar Pradesh is LAST and in small states, Manipur is LAST. This is the result of having BJP at the Centre and State: 0+0=0.”
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