Name *

Email Address *

Phone *

Select *ExamUPSCUPPCSBPSC

Select *MediumEnglishHindi

Submit

National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated on April 24th every year. This date marks the day when the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 came into effect in 1993, empowering local self-governance in rural areas. National Panchayati Raj Day is an annual observance that celebrates the decentralisation of power to the grassroots level in India. National Panchayati Raj Day commemorates the passing of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which institutionalized the Panchayati Raj system as the third tier of governance in rural India.

National Panchayati Raj Day 2025

In India, 24th April is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day. This day marks the enforcement of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which came into effect on 24th April 1993, though it was passed earlier on 17th June 1992. The day was first celebrated in 2010, when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh officially declared it as National Panchayati Raj Day.

Read the article Chief Election Commissioner of India for the UPSC Exam.

Panchayati Raj Day Theme

Every year, a special theme for National Panchayati Raj Day is chosen to highlight key issues related to Panchayati Raj and rural governance. The theme for National Panchayati Raj Day 2025 has not been announced yet. Once declared, the theme will shape the direction of events like awareness programmes, seminars, and model Panchayat showcases. National Panchayati Raj Day will also help promote public participation, especially by women, in local governance activities across the country.

Check out the article Waqf Amendment Bill.

Evolution of the Panchayati Raj System in India

The Panchayati Raj system in India has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient times when village councils played a vital role in local governance. During British rule, these institutions weakened and lost their importance. After independence, the need for decentralised governance led to key developments.

• In 1957, the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj structure — village, block, and district levels. Based on this, Rajasthan became the first state to adopt Panchayati Raj on 2nd October 1959, followed by Andhra Pradesh.
• Over time, various committees like the Ashok Mehta Committee (1978) and the G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985) further stressed the need for strengthening local self-governance.
• A major milestone came with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1992, which gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system. It came into effect on 24th April 1993, marking a new era of decentralised democracy in India.

Check out the article Important Days in April 2025.

Constitutional Status of Panchayati Raj System

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act provided constitutional recognition to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), making them an integral part of India’s governance framework. This amendment added Part IX to the Constitution, outlining the structure, powers, and responsibilities of PRIs.

Key features of the constitutional status include:

• Mandatory regular elections
• Reservations for women and marginalized communities
• Financial empowerment through state finance commissions
• Devolution of powers and responsibilities

Also Read: World Earth Day.

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, added Part IX to the Constitution titled “The Panchayats” (Articles 243 to 243O) and introduced the 11th Schedule, listing 29 subjects under Panchayat functions.

Key Features

• Gram Sabha: It includes all registered voters in a village. It is a permanent body, not an elected one. Its powers are decided by state laws.
• Three-Tier System: Panchayats are set up at village, intermediate, and district levels. States with less than 20 lakh population may skip the intermediate level. Members are directly elected, while chairpersons are elected directly or indirectly based on state law.
• Reservation: Seats are reserved for SCs and STs based on population. 1/3rd of all seats, including reserved ones, are reserved for women. A bill is pending to raise this to 50%.
• Term: Each Panchayat has a fixed 5-year term. If dissolved earlier, elections must be held within 6 months.
• Disqualification: A person must be 21 years or older and meet the same qualifications as an MLA. Disqualification rules are set by state laws (Article 243F).
• Finance Commission: Every 5 years, states must form a Finance Commission to review and recommend how taxes, duties, and funds are shared with Panchayats. The Union Finance Commission also gives suggestions to support Panchayat funding.
• 11th Schedule: Lists 29 subjects such as health, agriculture, education, rural housing, etc., to be managed by Panchayats. States must pass laws to give powers over these areas.
• Significance: This amendment gave constitutional status to village panchayats, fulfilling Article 40 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). It made it a duty for states to establish Panchayati Raj laws, while also allowing them to adjust the system based on local conditions.

Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!

National Panchayati Raj Day FAQs

What is the theme of National Panchayati Raj Day 2025?

The theme for National Panchayati Raj Day 2025 has not been announced yet. It will guide awareness activities and events across the country.

Evolution of the Panchayati Raj system in India

Panchayati Raj has existed since ancient times. It evolved through committees like Balwant Rai Mehta (1957) and got constitutional status with the 73rd Amendment in 1992.

When was Panchayati Raj introduced in India?

Panchayati Raj was first introduced on 2nd October 1959 in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan.

Panchayati Raj started in which year?

It officially started in 1959 but became a constitutional body in 1993 through the 73rd Amendment.

What is the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act?

Passed in 1992 and enforced in 1993, it gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj and added Part IX and the 11th Schedule to the Constitution.