President Smt Droupadi Murmu Confers National Panchayat Awards to 45 Panchayats & Institutes
President Smt Droupadi Murmu Confers National Panchayat Awards to 45 Panchayats & Institutes. The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Panchayat Awards 2024 in a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. A total of 45 exemplary Panchayats and institutions were honored for their exceptional contributions to sustainable and inclusive rural development.
The event was attended by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Minister of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, senior officials, and over 1200 Panchayat representatives from across India.
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Confers National Panchayat Awards to 45 Panchayats & Institutes
President’s Address: Empowering Villages is Key to Development
In her address, President Smt Droupadi Murmu emphasized that 64% of India’s population lives in villages, making rural development crucial for a developed India. She highlighted the importance of empowering Panchayati Raj institutions to create self-reliant and sustainable villages.
- Panchayats should focus on self-reliance by developing their own revenue sources.
- Self-reliant Panchayats will lead to strong Gram Sabhas and strengthen the nation.
- Panchayati Raj institutions are playing a vital role in political empowerment of women.
Six-Fold Increase in Central Finance Commission Grants
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh applauded the government’s efforts in strengthening Panchayats. He noted that funds allocated to Panchayats have seen a six-fold increase over the past decade:
- From 2005-06 to 2013-14: ₹60,972 crore allocated.
- From 2014-15 to 2023-24: ₹3,94,140 crore allocated.
- Per capita annual allocation rose from ₹176 under the 13th Finance Commission to ₹674 under the 15th Finance Commission.
These funds are utilized to build basic infrastructure in villages, enhancing the quality of life for rural communities.
Digital Transformation in Panchayat Governance
The Union Minister highlighted the role of technology in improving Panchayat governance. Initiatives such as the SVAMITVA Scheme and digital tools have revolutionized rural administration:
- SVAMITVA Scheme: Grants property rights to rural residents.
- Meri Panchayat App: Improves service delivery and transparency.
- Weather Forecasting Tools: Help farmers with better planning.
Focus on Women Leadership in Panchayats
The Minister proudly shared that 42% of Panchayats are now led by women. Women leaders have demonstrated exceptional contributions in areas such as:
- Water conservation.
- Child welfare and health initiatives.
- Sanitation and waste management projects.
This reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and women empowerment.
Best Practices Documented for Replication
During the ceremony, the Union Minister released a booklet titled “Best Practices of Awardee Panchayats and Institutions”. This booklet showcases innovative projects implemented by Panchayats, including:
- Child-friendly initiatives.
- Water-sufficient projects.
- Sustainable energy solutions.
The first copy of the booklet was presented to Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
Awards Categories: Recognizing Excellence in Rural Development
This year’s National Panchayat Awards were conferred across various categories:
- Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar
- Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar
- Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar
- Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar
- Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar
These awards recognize outstanding work in thematic areas such as:
- Poverty alleviation.
- Child welfare.
- Water conservation and sanitation.
- Infrastructure and governance.
- Waste management and women empowerment.
Driving Rural Development with SDG Framework
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh underscored the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Panchayat planning. He emphasized the principle of “Leave No One Behind” under the UN Agenda 2030.
- Strong Panchayats are serving as hubs of sustainable development.
- Efforts align with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
- Transparent governance and financial reforms are driving positive change.
Role of Gram Sabhas in Rural Empowerment
The government has mandated that at least six Gram Sabhas must be held in every Panchayat annually. Key highlights:
- Transparent record-keeping of all Gram Sabha proceedings.
- Gram Sabhas ensure active participation of villagers in decision-making.
- These initiatives empower Panchayats to identify and address local challenges effectively.
Union Minister of State Commends Digital Empowerment
Union Minister of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel praised the evolution of the Panchayati Raj system into a robust mechanism for participatory governance. He highlighted key achievements:
- eGramSwaraj-PFMS Portal: 93% of Panchayats make payments online.
- Over ₹2.25 lakh crore disbursed transparently.
- Women Leadership: Women now constitute 46% of elected Panchayat representatives.
- Digital Innovations: Tools like Meri Panchayat App and Panchayat NIRNAY are driving efficient governance.
Conclusion: A Model for Resilient Rural India
The National Panchayat Awards 2024 celebrate the exemplary efforts of Panchayats in building a resilient, self-reliant, and sustainable rural India. These awards serve as an inspiration for Panchayats nationwide to adopt best practices and contribute to:
- Poverty eradication and better infrastructure.
- Water conservation and child welfare.
- Women’s empowerment and inclusive governance.
The government’s commitment to empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions reflects its vision of Antyodaya and creating a developed India by 2047. Through transparent governance, innovative solutions, and active participation, Panchayats are paving the way for a brighter, sustainable future.
