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Panchayats Are Resolving Rural Citizens' Problems, Says Vivek Bharadwaj

Panchayati Raj Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj praised elected representatives for not just performing third-tier duties but actively resolving rural citizens' problems. PM Narendra Modi congratulated people's representatives, quoting that a king's happiness lies in the happiness of the public. The theme for National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 is "Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas". The day commemorates 33 years of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Key Points: Panchayats Solve Rural Issues: Vivek Bharadwaj

  • Vivek Bharadwaj praises Panchayati Raj reps for solving rural issues
  • PM Modi greets on National Panchayati Raj Day, quotes "king's happiness lies in public happiness"
  • Theme 2026: "Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas"
  • Day marks 33 years of 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act
2 min read

Panchayats not just third tier of government, but resolving rural citizens' problems: Vivek Bharadwaj

Panchayati Raj Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj praises elected reps on National Panchayati Raj Day, calling them key to solving rural problems.

"They are not just performing the duties of the third tier of government but are also resolving the problems of rural citizens. - Vivek Bharadwaj"

New Delhi, April 24

Panchayati Raj Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj on Friday praised the role of elected representatives in rural governance, saying they are not just performing the duties of the third tier of government but are also actively resolving the problems of rural citizens.

He added that they are fulfilling the aspirations of villagers while addressing grassroots issues and called for reflection on the system's progress, challenges and future opportunities.

"On National Panchayati Raj Day, I would like to congratulate the lakhs of elected representatives in panchayats who are fulfilling the dreams of rural citizens. They are not just performing the duties of the third tier of government but are also resolving the problems of rural citizens. Today we have an opportunity to reflect on how robust the Panchayati Raj system has become along with its challenges and opportunities," he told reporters.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people's representatives across the country on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, saying that the "king's happiness lies in the happiness of the public".

Sharing an X post, PM Modi wrote, "Heartfelt congratulations to the people's representatives across the country on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day! Your dedication to public service alongside national service is truly inspiring to one and all. In the happiness of the people lies the king's happiness; in their welfare lies his own welfare. The king should consider dear not what is dear to himself, but what is dear to the people."

The theme for National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 is "Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas" (Empowered Panchayats, Holistic Development).

Ministry of Panchayati Raj is set to celebrate National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) today at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Observed every year on 24th April, the day commemorates the enactment of the landmark 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which gave constitutional status and legal recognition to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across India. This year marks 33 years of that defining milestone in India's democratic journey.

National Panchayati Raj Day is observed with much fervour across the country at the State, District, Block and Gram Panchayat levels, wherein Gram Panchayats will hold Gram Sabha meetings, reaffirming the spirit of participatory democracy at the grassroots.

The day provides an occasion to recognise the role of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in accelerating progress towards Viksit Bharat.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the sentiment is nice, ground reality is different in many places. Women representatives in panchayats often face resistance from male members. True empowerment will come when decisions made by women sarpanches are implemented without interference. Still, we must appreciate the progress since the 73rd amendment.
V
Vikram M
"Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas" - excellent theme! The key is proper devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries. Many states still haven't transferred all three Fs to panchayats. Without that, they remain weak. Need to strengthen Gram Sabhas too for true grassroots democracy.
R
Rohit P
PM Modi's quote about "king's happiness lies in public happiness" is so relevant. Our panchayat members work day and night during floods and crises. They deserve more recognition and better honorariums. The 73rd amendment was a game-changer for rural democracy. Jai Jawan Jai Kisan! 🙏
S
Siddharth J
Look, panchayats are important, but we cannot ignore the corruption at local levels. Many sarpanches are just puppets of local politicians. We need more transparency - online records of meetings and funds. Digital Panchayats are a step in right direction but implementation is slow. Still, happy to see the system evolving.
K
Kavya N
As someone who grew up in a village, I can vouch for the importance of panchayats. They solve land disputes, manage common resources, and even help during marriages and funerals. The personal touch is unmatched. But yes, more training for elected members on schemes and technology would help immensely.

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