The nation celebrates the 24th April as Panchayati Raj Diwas.
The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24th April, 1993 has institutionalized Panchayati Raj through the village, Intermediate and District level Panchayats.
This date marks a defining moment in the history of decentralization of political power to the grassroots level. The impact of the 73rd Amendment in rural India is very visible as it has changed power equations irreversibly.
Accordingly, the Government of India decided in consultation with the States to celebrate 24th April as National Panchayati Raj Day. Ministry of Panchayati Raj organises National Conference on 24th April every year to commemorate the National Panchayati Raj Diwas.
On the occassion, best performing Gram Panchayats will be conferred with Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Purskar, 2012, by the Ministry.
170 Panchayati Raj Institutions or PRIs, comprising three-tier Panchayats will also be felicitated with the Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar for exemplary work under the Panchayat Empowerment Accountability Incentive Scheme (PEAIS ).
The day long National conference on the occasion at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi will see delegates discussing topics like Gram Sabha and People’s Participation, devolution of the 3Fs i.e Funds, Functions and Functionaries and issues related to women. Agriculture, Rural Development and Livelihood and Management of Forest Produce and Natural Resources will also be on the agenda.
Approximately 1500 delegates such as State Ministers for Panchayati Raj, Senior officials from State Government Panchayati Raj Departments, States elected representatives from the three tiers of PRIs, national award winning Panchayats as well as representatives from among SCs/STs and women will attend the Conference.