New Delhi, Jan 26: On the 76th Republic Day, over 575 special guests were elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions and their spouses from across the country who witnessed the grand Republic Day Parade, symbolizing the pulse of rural India.
Among them, nearly 40% were women participants, exemplifying the remarkable strides made towards gender-inclusive governance.
In an endeavour to honour grassroots democracy, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj felicitated Panchayat leaders, including Sarpanches, Gram Pradhans and other Panchayat representatives on 25th January 2025 in New Delhi. These special guests from the Panchayats are instrumental in saturating 10 flagship schemes of the government namely, Har Ghar Jal Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), Mission Indradhanush, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana, PM MUDRA Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme or are State and National Award winners who have done exceptional work in their Gram Panchayats.
Speaking at a felicitation event of the heads of Gram Panchayats on the eve of the Republic Day, in New Delhi, Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said that the Panchayat leaders are the driving force behind rural transformation, responsible for seamlessly implementing flagship government schemes and fostering the spirit of participatory governance in India.
He highlighted that these grassroot leaders have been pivotal in saturating 10 flagship schemes that now benefit residents in rural areas nationwide, across all sections of the society, ensuring improved “Ease of Living” through tangible outcomes in their respective gram panchayats.
The Union Minister expressed pride in the presence of over 575 Panchayat representatives and their spouses as Special Guests at the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, emphasizing that their participation symbolizes their journey from Karmakshetra to Kartavya Path.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh also commended the significant leadership of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, with 132 women pradhans being among the Special Guests, showcasing the transformative role they play in rural governance.
Stressing upon the importance of financial empowerment, he highlighted that there has been a Six-Fold increase in financial allocations for Panchayats over the past decade [Fund allocation has increased from Rs.60,972 crores (2005–2014) to Rs.3,94,140 crores (2014–2024)] which has bolstered their capacity to drive development while preserving local heritage and traditions.
“A prosperous rural India is the foundation of a developed nation. Through SVAMITVA Scheme, disputes over property in villages have reduced, paving the way for peace, harmony and economic prosperity” said, the Union Minister while urging all, to encourage women to become “Atmanirbhar”.
