The Ministry of Panchayati Raj awarded the Special Category National Panchayat Awards- 2025

The awards consist of the Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA), the Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA), and the Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP).

These accolades are intended to honor Gram Panchayats and organizations that have exhibited outstanding achievements in areas such as climate resilience, financial independence, and capacity development. Recipients have been chosen from various states, including Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Assam.

Additionally, India observes National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24 each year to commemorate the establishment of the Panchayati Raj System, which was initiated by the enactment of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992. This day highlights the significance of grassroots democracy, reinforces local governance, and contributes to the empowerment of rural communities.

The Panchayati Raj System derives its name from two terms: 'Panch,' which signifies five, and 'Ayat,' meaning assembly. This system represents a traditional framework where a council of village elders convenes to address issues and resolve conflicts. In 1957, the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee advocated for the establishment of the Panchayati Raj system in India. This system operates at three tiers: the Village Panchayat, the Panchayat Samiti, and the Zilla Parishad. The Village Panchayat consists of approximately five members, including a Sarpanch. The Panchayat Samiti typically encompasses 20 to 60 villages, with a Pradhan as its leader and an Up-Pradhan as the deputy.

The Zilla Parishad comprises members from the Panchayat Samitis along with government officials, primarily tasked with overseeing and guiding district-level activities. Established in 2004, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj is responsible for all matters concerning the Panchayati Raj system and is headed by a cabinet minister. Elections for Panchayat positions occur every five years to elect new representatives.

According to Article 243D of the Constitution, there is a provision for reserving seats in Panchayats for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and women. The necessity for Panchayati Raj Institutions in India includes the decentralization of power, which brings governance closer to local communities, enabling them to make decisions that reflect their unique needs.

It promotes democratic participation by ensuring direct involvement of citizens in decision-making, thereby enhancing democracy at the village level. Furthermore, local self-governments are better positioned to implement and monitor development schemes effectively, tailored to local conditions. Lastly, local bodies can optimize resource utilization, such as land, water, and labor, due to their comprehensive understanding of regional dynamics.

Government Initiatives to Enhance Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) aims to bolster the governance capabilities of PRIs by providing support in training, e-governance, infrastructure development, and capacity building. The e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project seeks to digitize the operations of Panchayati Raj, offering web-based applications for budgeting, accounting, and planning, such as PRIASoft and PlanPlus.

Financial incentives and performance grants are provided by states and the Finance Commission to reward PRIs that demonstrate efficiency and transparency. The e-Gram Swaraj Portal, launched in 2020, serves as a comprehensive digital platform for Panchayat planning, accounting, monitoring, and reporting. Since 2021, all transactions under Central Finance Commission funds are processed exclusively online through the eGramSwaraj – PFMS Interface (eGSPI) system.

Additionally, the Gram Manchitra initiative, introduced in 2019, provides a geospatial platform for evidence-based planning. In conclusion, PRIs are vital in fostering democratic values, inclusive development, and grassroots decision-making. To fully realize their potential, ongoing efforts are essential to enhance their autonomy, strengthen institutional capacity, ensure sufficient funding, and encourage active citizen engagement. Strengthening PRIs transcends rural governance; it is a significant stride towards achieving participatory democracy, sustainable development, and empowering rural India.