National Panchayati Raj Day 2026

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organised a national event in New Delhi on April 24 to mark National Panchayati Raj Day, commemorating 33 years of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act which granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). 

Launch of Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0

On the occasion, the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report (FY 2023–24) was released:

• India’s first nationwide data-driven framework to assess Gram Panchayat performance
• Covers 9 themes under Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs)
• Indicators reduced from 516 to 150 for better efficiency
• Achieved 97.30% participation from Gram Panchayats across 33 States/UTs.

Significance of National Panchayati Raj Day

National Panchayati Raj Day marks:

• Implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (effective 1993)
• Constitutional recognition of local self-governance institutions
• Inclusion of Panchayats under Part IX of the Constitution of India.

Structure of Panchayati Raj System

The Panchayati Raj system is based on decentralisation of power and follows a three-tier structure:

1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level)
   • Handles basic civic services: water supply, sanitation, infrastructure
2. Block Panchayat (Intermediate Level)
   • Coordinates development across villages
   • Ensures implementation of government schemes
3. District Panchayat (District Level)
   • Supervises and integrates development plans
   • Allocates resources effectively.

Role of Gram Sabha

The Gram Sabha is the foundation of grassroots democracy:

• Comprises all registered voters in a village
• Not part of the three-tier system but the core decision-making body
• Functions include:
  • Approving development plans
  • Monitoring expenditure
  • Ensuring transparency and accountability
  • Providing a platform for public participation

AI Innovation: SabhaSaar

An AI-based tool, SabhaSaar, has been introduced to improve governance:

• Converts audio/video recordings of Gram Sabha meetings into structured minutes
• Uses Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing
• Enhances efficiency, transparency, and accountability in local governance.

Source: PIB