New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious National Panchayat Awards 2024 to 45 outstanding Panchayats in various categories on December 11, 2024. The awards recognize exceptional efforts in promoting sustainable and inclusive development across villages in India.
Addressing the event, President Murmu highlighted that 64% of India’s population resides in villages, making rural development critical for the nation’s progress. She lauded the government’s decade-long efforts in empowering Panchayats to achieve tangible results and emphasized the importance of self-reliant local bodies. “Self-reliant Panchayats can boost Gram Sabhas' confidence and strengthen the nation,” she said.
The President congratulated the awardees, describing their work as a testament to their dedication. She expressed hope that the recognition would inspire other Panchayats to contribute meaningfully to village development.
President Murmu also acknowledged the growing political empowerment of women through Panchayati Raj institutions. She urged women representatives to lead fearlessly, discouraging the practice of family members performing their duties. She emphasized the need for independent leadership among women in local governance.
Touching on elections, the President stressed the importance of fair and timely Panchayat elections, urging a violence-free process. She noted that elected representatives must maintain transparency and fulfill their responsibilities with accountability, as villagers place great trust in them.
She further encouraged Panchayats to resolve local disputes at their level to save time, money, and resources, reducing the burden on courts. “This is not just a right but also a duty of the Panchayats,” she said.
The awards include categories such as the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar, Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar, and others. These aim to recognize efforts in areas like poverty alleviation, health, child welfare, water conservation, sanitation, and women empowerment.
President Murmu expressed confidence that such initiatives would further strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and contribute to building a developed India.