National Panchayati Raj Day: PM Modi Highlights Women, Youth Participation

PM Narendra Modi on Friday commended elected representatives and grassroots functionaries for their unwavering dedication to public service and national development. His message was delivered at a national event in New Delhi marking National Panchayati Raj Day, commemorating 33 years of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.

PM Modi emphasised that the active involvement of women and youth can significantly enhance the effectiveness of Panchayats. He described empowered local bodies as the backbone of governance and a vital link in participatory democracy, transparency, and holistic development.

Representatives from Gram Panchayats and officials from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand attended the event.

SP Singh Baghel stated that strengthening Panchayats remains central to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. He highlighted that capacity-building initiatives have improved leadership quality and decision-making, especially among women representatives.

Baghel also praised transparent governance frameworks and direct benefit transfers for improving service delivery at the grassroots level. He urged representatives to uphold integrity, service, and development-focused leadership.

Vivek Bharadwaj underscored financial empowerment for Rural Local Bodies, referencing recommendations by the Sixteenth Finance Commission. He noted an 84 per cent rise in grant allocations compared to the Fifteenth Finance Commission.

Vivek Bharadwaj explained the 80:20 ratio between Basic and Performance Grants, designed to ensure stable funding while encouraging fiscal discipline and revenue generation. He urged the Panchayati Raj Institutions need to strengthen their own revenue streams to access performance-linked grants.

The initiative reinforces the government’s commitment to robust local governance and sustainable rural progress.

Also Read: Amit Shah Calls Rahul Gandhi’s TMC Corruption Remark ‘Too Late’