New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, today conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2024 upon 45 distinguished awardees at a ceremony in New Delhi. The awards, spanning multiple categories, celebrate exemplary contributions by Panchayats to sustainable and inclusive development across the nation.
In her address, President Murmu emphasized the critical role of villages in shaping India’s development, as 64% of the country’s population resides in rural areas. She remarked that the foundation of a developed India lies in the empowerment of self-reliant and capable local bodies. The President encouraged Panchayats to generate their own revenue to become self-sufficient, enhancing their ability to serve their communities effectively.
The President congratulated the awardees, recognizing their dedication and efforts toward village development. She expressed confidence that the recognition would inspire both the winners and other Panchayats to strive for excellence in rural development.
The National Panchayat Awards 2024 honored achievements in categories such as:
- 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 highlight contributions in poverty alleviation, health, child welfare, water conservation, sanitation, infrastructure, social justice, governance, and women empowerment.
President Murmu applauded the increasing political empowerment of women through Panchayati Raj institutions. She urged women representatives to assert their leadership roles independently and address persistent practices where family members perform their official duties. “Women representatives must establish themselves as independent leaders, bringing about positive grassroots changes,” she said.
Stressing the importance of fair and timely Panchayat elections, the President called for a peaceful electoral process, free from violence, emphasizing the trust villagers place in their chosen representatives.
President Murmu also highlighted the need for Panchayats to resolve local disputes within the village. “This reduces unnecessary burden on courts and saves both time and money for villagers,” she noted, urging representatives to prioritize this duty.
The President underscored the accountability of Panchayat representatives and officials to the people they serve. Transparency in administration, she said, is vital to maintaining the trust of voters, which is the cornerstone of effective governance.
Reflecting on the last decade, the President expressed satisfaction with the government’s efforts to empower Panchayati Raj institutions. These initiatives aim to drive concrete results, ensuring rural India’s development aligns with the broader vision of a developed nation.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, officials, and stakeholders, celebrating the transformative role of Panchayats in achieving sustainable growth and grassroots empowerment.
