Odisha government announced a shift in the date for the observance of the Panchayati Raj Day to align with the national observance on 24 April, a communiqué from the Chief Minister’s Office. Previously commemorated on March 5th in Odisha, the change aims to resolve any dissonance between state-wide and national celebrations.

Date Realignment Decision

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed that moving forward, March 5th will be solely marked as the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik, an esteemed statesman of Odisha. Unlike previously, this date will not be observed as a public holiday. Panchayati Raj Day, alongside Public Service Day, will now be observed on April 24, in harmony with the national calendar, read the press release from the CMO. The unified April 24 observance aligns with constitutional recognition that empowered Panchayati Raj Institutions.

National Recognition and Awards

The National Panchayati Raj Day is observed on April 24th. The national observance on April 24 includes the presentation of multiple awards, such as the National Gaon Sabha Awards and the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) Awards, recognising the exemplary work of various panchayat representatives across states.

Importance of Panchayati Raj System

India is a country with around 68 percent of its population concentrated in rural areas. To cater to the rights and development of the massive population unit, Panchayati Raj’s three-tier administration came as a solution. This system aims to expand the reach of democracy and implementation of development at every corner of the country. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act led to the formation of the Panchayati Raj System in 1993 and ever since then National Panchayati Raj Day has been celebrated on April 24, every year.