Image Source: Current Affairs - Adda247
India observed National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24, 2025, to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which accorded constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and revolutionized rural governance in the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations from Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat in Jhanjharpur Block, Madhubani District, Bihar. In his address, he emphasized the critical role of local self-governance in rural development and the empowerment of villages, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of village republics.
This year's observance was special in terms of its magnitude and collaborative nature, with six Union Ministries: Rural Development, Housing and Urban Affairs, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Power, Railways, and Road Transport and Highways. The Prime Minister laid foundation stones and dedicated infrastructure and welfare projects worth about ₹13,500 crores, including LPG bottling plants, electrification programs, housing schemes, railway modernization, and road construction. These projects are anticipated to greatly improve connectivity, services, and economic prospects, notably in rural Bihar.
Major features of National Panchayati Raj Day 2025:
Awards and Recognition: The government awarded Special Category National Panchayat Awards 2025, giving recognition to high-performing Panchayats for their work in local governance and sustainable development. Some of the award categories comprised Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award, Climate Action Special Panchayat Award, and others, each with monetary incentives and recognition trophies.
Grassroots Democracy: The day emphasized the relevance of Panchayati Raj as a three-tier system (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zilla Parishad) with frequent elections and substantial reservations for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes to provide inclusive and participatory administration.
Digital and Sustainable Initiatives: The day emphasized digital empowerment through initiatives such as the e-Panchayat Project and the SVAMITVA Scheme to improve transparency and real-time governance in rural India.
Community Involvement: The conference included workshops, seminars, and one-on-one interactions between Panchayat representatives and national leaders to promote knowledge exchange and encouragement among local representatives.
National Panchayati Raj Day reminds us of the leadership role of local self-rule in creating a robust, self-dependent, and democratic country. The celebrations in 2025 not only paid tribute to the 73rd Amendment's legacy but also laid the foundation for future rural renewal through infrastructure, digital technology, and grassroots empowerment.
Sources: vajiramandravi.com, pib.gov.in, indianexpress.com, currentaffairs.adda247.com, CNN-News18, pwonlyias.com, news18.com, drishtiias.com
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