The National Panchayati Raj Day is observed on 24 April in India. The day is observed every year in the country. On this day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed village Panchayats across the country to mark the National Panchayati Raj Day.
Significance:
On this day, the Constitution of India recognized Panchayats as ‘Institutions of self-government’. It marks the passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 with effect from 24 April 1993. As per the amendment, the states are empowered to carry out steps to organize village panchayats. The states can provide them with the necessary powers and authority necessary to facilitate them to function as units of self-government.
What is Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992?
The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 came into force with effect from 24 April 1993. The Act vested “Constitutional status” on Panchayati Raj institutions.
The 73rd Amendment added the “Part IX” titled “The Panchayats” to the Constitution of India. It covers provisions from Article 243 to 243(O). Also, a new XI Schedule that covers 29 subjects within the functions of the Panchayats was added. It implemented Article 40 of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) which says that the State shall take steps to organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority. It is necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.
History:
National Panchayati Raj Day was celebrated for the first time in 2010. The enactment of the 73rd Amendment Act helped in the decentralization of political power to the grassroots level. The act also led to the institutionalization of Panchayati Raj through the village, Intermediate and District level Panchayats.
