The National Panchayati Raj Day, which is also commonly known as National Local Self-Government day, is celebrated in India by Ministry of Panchayati Raj on April 24, every year.
On April 24, 1993 Panchayati Raj was established through the Constitution Act, 1992 and it came into force from that day. This occasion provides an opportunity for direct dialogue with Panchayat representatives from all over the country as well as recognizing their achievements to empower and motivate them further.
It was in the year 2010, the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared the first National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24 and said that if Panchayati Raj Institutions function properly and locals participated in the development process, the Maoist threat could be countered. Later, in the year 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an end to the practice of ‘husbands of women sarpanches’ or ‘sarpanch pati’.
Each year, on this day, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj awards the best performing Panchayats/States/UTs across the country in recognition of their good work for improving delivery of services and public goods. The awards are given away under various categories, i.e; Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (DDUPSP), Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (NDRGGSP), Child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award (CFGPA), Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Award and e-Panchayat Puraskar (given to States/UTs only).
National Panchayati Raj Day 2022: Theme
This year there is no particular theme for National Panchayati Raj Day in India but an award ceremony appreciates the best panchayats across the country. These awards are a way of recognition for the work done by these panchayats in improving the lives of rural households.
National Panchayat Awards have become a medium for creating awareness and and sharing of knowledge across the country about the achievements of Panchayats.
National Panchayati Raj Day 2022: FAQ
1. What is the importance of National Panchayati Raj Day 2022?
The creation of decentralized authority is recognized on National Panchayati Raj Day. To handle communist revolt, the panchayat Raj institutions and villagers participating in the planning process were important. The idea to decentralize authority to the rural areas was taken since a single CM couldn’t oversee a complete state and resolve all of its difficulties in the shortest amount of time feasible.
2. When was National Panchayati Raj Day celebrated?
In India, 24th April is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day.
3. Which state has no Panchayati Raj institution at all?
Panchayati Raj system exists in all states except Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, and in all Union Territories except the national capital Delhi.
