New Delhi: The 76th Republic Day witnessed over 575 special guests, including elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions and their spouses, attending the grand parade, symbolising the essence of rural India. Nearly 40% of the participants were women, highlighting progress in gender-inclusive governance. To celebrate grassroots democracy, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj honoured Panchayat leaders, including Sarpanches and Gram Pradhans, on 25 January 2025 in New Delhi. These leaders were recognised for their contributions to implementing government schemes such as Har Ghar Jal Yojana, PM Awas Yojana (Gramin), Mission Indradhanush, Ayushman Bharat, and others, as well as for receiving state and national awards for exceptional work in their communities.
Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, praised the critical role of Panchayat leaders in rural transformation and participatory governance. He highlighted the significant financial empowerment of Panchayats, with a six-fold increase in funding over the last decade, which has strengthened their ability to drive development while preserving local traditions. Singh commended the leadership of 132 women among the special guests and stressed the importance of the SVAMITVA Scheme in reducing property disputes, fostering harmony, and promoting economic growth.
Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, S. P. Singh Baghel, pointed out the remarkable rise in per capita annual allocations for rural infrastructure, from £1.76 under the 13th Finance Commission to £6.74 under the 15th Finance Commission. He acknowledged the transformative impact of 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and encouraged women leaders to pursue roles beyond local governance. Baghel also emphasised using Panchayat Bhawans to deliver essential services and highlighted innovations like the Meri Panchayat app for better governance.
Secretary of the Ministry, Vivek Bharadwaj, stressed the need for Panchayats to adopt technological solutions like eGramSwaraj and Gram Manchitra to enhance transparency and achieve sustainable development goals. He encouraged Panchayats to increase their own-source revenue for long-term growth.
The event also featured the release of the 15th e-edition of Gramoday Sankalp Patrika and the presentation of awards to winners of the Constitution Day Quiz Contest.