image credits: chanakya mandal onlinee
Odisha is set to celebrate National Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24, 2025. This significant occasion, which marks the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, celebrates the local self-governance and rural development. The Odisha government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is making sure that the celebrations strengthen grassroots democracy.
The directive issued by Dr. Maheswar Swain, Director of the Panchayati Raj Department, outlines meticulous preparations at the state, district, and block levels. These efforts aim to honour the decentralized governance & engage citizens in the developmental narrative of rural Odisha. The state-level ceremony, set to take place in the city of Puri, will be graced by the Chief Minister and several cabinet ministers.
Odisha’s Rural Development Initiatives
National Panchayati Raj Diwas serves as a platform to highlight the transformative impact of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural Odisha. The state government has emphasized the role of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to amplify this message. Hoardings, banners, and sensitization camps will be strategically deployed to educate communities about various government schemes aimed at rural upliftment.
The Panchayati Raj Department has directed authorities to document all events, ensuring that the visibility of IEC materials is maximized. This documentation will show Odisha’s progress in rural governance and development. As stated in the official notification, “This is a perfect opportunity to showcase developmental work, engage with citizens, and promote active participation in local governance.”
Statewide Coordination and Ministerial Outreach
To ensure the success of the celebrations, the Odisha government has adopted a structured approach to coordination. Collectors and Chief Development Officers-cum-Executive Officers (CDO-cum-EOs) of Zilla Parishads have been tasked with aligning tour plans for ministers visiting various districts. This district-wise allocation of ministers ensures that the celebrations resonate at the grassroots level. Local Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have been invited to district-level events, while block-level programmes will feature the participation of MLAs and other dignitaries.
The government has urged all officials to organize events in a manner that is both impactful and befitting the significance of National Panchayati Raj Diwas. The administration has also been directed to ensure the presence of stakeholders and citizens during the national event, particularly to witness the Prime Minister’s address.
A Unified Celebration of National Panchayati Raj Diwas with National Alignment
This year’s celebration holds special significance as Odisha has aligned its Panchayati Raj Diwas with the national date of April 24. This decision, approved by Chief Minister Majhi, aims to align state and national efforts in celebrating local self-governance. While March 5 will continue to be commemorated with grandeur to honor Biju Patnaik’s legacy, the unified observance on April 24 reflects a cohesive national framework for rural empowerment. Historically, Odisha has pioneered implementing the Panchayati Raj system, with Biju Patnaik playing a pivotal role in its development. As Chief Minister, he introduced landmark legislation, including the Orissa Gram Panchayat (Amendment) Act and other acts in 1991, which reserved one-third of seats for women in PRIs, a first in India.
