On December 11, 2024, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Panchayat Awards to 45 exemplary awardees in recognition of their outstanding contributions to sustainable and inclusive development. The ceremony, held in New Delhi, celebrated the efforts of Panchayats across India that have played a significant role in empowering communities.
In her address, President Murmu emphasized the importance of rural development, noting that approximately 64 percent of India’s population resides in villages. She highlighted that empowering these rural areas is crucial for transforming India into a developed nation. Over the past decade, the government has made significant strides in strengthening Panchayats, aiming for concrete outcomes that benefit local communities.
The President underscored that the foundation for a developed India must be built on the strength of self-reliant local bodies. She encouraged Panchayats to focus on generating their own revenue, which would instill confidence in the Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) and further empower the country as a whole.
She congratulated the winners of the National Panchayat Awards, calling it a recognition of their dedication to village development. President Murmu expressed confidence that the awards would inspire other Panchayats to intensify their efforts in improving their communities.
The President also lauded the role of women representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions, noting that they are making significant contributions to positive change at the grassroots level. She urged these women to carry out their duties fearlessly and efficiently, and to challenge any lingering practices where family members undermine their roles as leaders.
Additionally, the President emphasized the importance of timely and fair Panchayat elections, ensuring that representatives remain accountable to the people. She condemned instances of electoral violence, stressing that the election process should always be conducted in a peaceful environment, keeping in mind the welfare of the community.
President Murmu also spoke about the need for transparency and accountability within the Panchayati Raj system. Elected representatives, she noted, should honor the trust that voters place in them by maintaining integrity in their conduct and actions.
Furthermore, the President urged Panchayat representatives to resolve local disputes within the community, rather than sending them to courts. Resolving conflicts at the Panchayat level would not only save time and resources but also ease the burden on the judicial system.
The National Panchayat Awards 2024 cover various categories, including the 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, and the Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar. These awards aim to recognize and promote efforts by Panchayats in areas such as poverty alleviation, health, child welfare, water conservation, sanitation, infrastructure development, social justice, good governance, and women empowerment
