Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:April 24, 2025, 09:49 IST
Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier structure where local bodies or Gram Panchayats are given the authority to govern themselves and make decisions for community’s development.
National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: A strong Panchayati Raj system helps build a strong and self-reliant nation.
75th National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: National Panchayati Raj Day is marked every year on April 24 in India. The day is observed to commemorate the historic occasion of April 24, 1993, when the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, came into force. It celebrates the importance of grassroots democracy, strengthens local governance and helps empower rural communities.
The Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier structure where local bodies or Gram Panchayats are given the authority to govern themselves and make decisions for their community’s development.
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National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: History
The word Panchayat comes from two words – “Panch” meaning five and “Ayat” meaning assembly. It refers to a traditional system where a group of elders from a village would come together to solve problems or settle disputes. These elders formed a local council, and the head of the group was called a Mukhiya, Sarpanch or Pradhan.
The system of Panchayati Raj became more structured in 1992 when the Indian Parliament passed a law to give it formal backing. This law was called the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
It came into effect on April 24, 1993. From that day on, states were encouraged to form village panchayats and give them the power to make decisions and help in local development.
The first National Panchayati Raj Day, also called Panchayati Raj Diwas, was celebrated in 2010. It was officially declared by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Since then, April 24 has been observed every year as National Panchayati Raj Day. On this day, the Union government honours gram panchayats for their good work in the past year.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj was created in 2004 which handles all matters related to Panchayati Raj and is led by a cabinet minister. At present, the ministry is headed by Rajiv Ranjan Singh also known as Lalan Singh.
National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: Significance
National Panchayati Raj Day is an important occasion that reminds us of the value of giving power to people at the village level. It marks the beginning of a system where decisions are made by local representatives.
This day also gives a chance for panchayat members from across the country to connect and share their work. The government uses this day to give awards to the best-performing panchayats which encourages others to do better.
A strong Panchayati Raj system helps build a strong and self-reliant nation and shows the power of democracy in action.
National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: Key Facts
- The Panchayati Raj system has three levels – Village Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad.
- The Village Panchayat is the first level. It has around five members that includes a Sarpanch.
- It reports to the Gram Sabha which includes all adult members of the village.
- The Panchayat Samiti is the second level. It usually covers 20 to 60 villages. Its head is called the Pradhan and the deputy is the Up-Pradhan.
- The Zilla Parishad is the top level. It includes members from Panchayat Samitis and government officials. Its main job is to guide and check the work done in the district.
- Panchayat elections are held every five years to choose new members.
- 50% of the seats are reserved for women, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- There are currently 666 Zilla Panchayats, 6,687 Panchayat Samitis and 2,55,643 Gram Panchayats in India, as perlocalbodydata.com.
- Panchayati Raj is present in almost all states and Union Territories, except Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Delhi.
- Some tribal and special areas also do not have Panchayati Raj. These include hilly areas of Manipur, Darjeeling in West Bengal, and some scheduled regions.
National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: Quotes
- “The voice of the people may be said to be God’s voice, the voice of the Panchayat.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “When the panchayat raj is established, public opinion will do what violence can never do.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Through all-around progress and grassroots level participation, our Govt is working towards making ‘Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday’ a reality.” –PM Narendra Modi
- “Panchayats are effective ways to fulfil the aspirations of people in rural India. They are playing a vital role in India’s transformation.” – PM Narendra Modi.
SOURCE : NEWS 18
