National Panchayati Raj Day 2024: Date, theme, history & significance

Every year 24th April +is celebrated as 'National Panchayati Raj Day'. It is organized every year by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in India. It is celebrated to commemorate the historic day when the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act came into force in 1993.

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act introduced a three-tier system of local governance in India with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This three-tier system is applicable at village, block and district level.

Theme of National Panchayati Raj Day 2024:

• This year, the official theme of ‘National Panchayati Raj Day’ 2024 has not been announced yet by the government.

History of National Panchayati Raj Day:

• The origins of the Panchayati Raj system lie in ancient Indian customs, wherein village councils, known as panchayats, held significant sway in managing local affairs.
• In 1957, the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee was formed to study the process of democratic decentralization and recommend measures to revive the Panchayati Raj system. The recommendations of the Mehta Committee led to the establishment of a three-tier system of Panchayats at village, block and district levels.
• In this sequence, the passing of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1992 was an important turning point. This amendment established a three-tier system of village, intermediate (block) and district panchayats with clear roles and responsibilities. In this way Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were given constitutional recognition.
• To commemorate the enactment of the 73rd Amendment Act on April 24, 1993, the government declared this day as National Panchayati Raj Day.

Objective of Panchayati Raj Day:

• The objectives of ‘National Panchayati Raj Day’ in India can be seen in the following points:
  • To convey to the people the historical recognition of Panchayati Raj in India's democratic system.
  • To increase awareness about the importance of Panchayati Raj institutions in rural development.
  • To recognize the excellent performance of Panchayati Raj Institutions and inspire their further work.

Importance of Panchayati Raj Day:

• The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing a National Seminar to commemorate this day on 24th April, 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. It is primarily organizing a national seminar on grassroots governance after three decades of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
• Panchayati Raj: Empowering rural communities through participation.