National Panchayati Raj Day 2025

Why in News?

• National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated across India on 24 April.

Key Points:-

• This day marks the establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India, which aims to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level, empower rural communities and make local governance effective.
• This year the 15th National Panchayati Raj Day will be celebrated.

Historical Background:

• The foundation of this day is linked to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which was passed in December 1992 and implemented on 24 April 1993.
• This amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions and brought a historic change in the democratic structure of India.
• By this, it became constitutionally binding for the state governments to adopt the Panchayati Raj system.
• In the year 2010, the Government of India declared 24 April as National Panchayati Raj Day. Its objective is to respect democratic decentralization, highlight the role of local self-governance and motivate panchayat representatives.

 Panchayati Raj and its structure:

• Under the 73rd Amendment Act 1992, rural governance was divided into three levels:
  1. Gram Panchayat – at the village level
  2. Panchayat Samiti – at the block level
  3. Zilla Parishad – at the district level
• This structure is considered very effective for taking administrative work to the local level and increasing public participation.
• Features
  • Provision of regular elections every five years
  • Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Tribes and Women
  • Establishment of State Election Commission
  • Provision of financial transfer as per the recommendation of the State Finance Commission