Panchayati Raj Day Celebrations

“When the panchayat raj is established, public opinion will do what violence can never do.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Panchayati Raj Day, recognized annually by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, on 24th April, commemorates the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 of the constitution, coming into effect in the year 1993.

The occasion celebrates national local self-governance and democratic decentralisation. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the nodal ministry, works on the mission of empowerment, enablement and accountability of Panchayati Raj institutions to ensure inclusive development with social justice and the efficient delivery of services. With the motto 'Decentralised Democracy', the Panchayati Raj system in India aims to build democracy at the grassroot level.

The Indian School Second Shift observed Panchayati Raj Day by educating and spreading awareness among the students of classes 6 to 9 about the significance of decentralisation and local governance. A strengthened local self-government will strengthen the commitment of rural India towards self- reliance promoting social, economic and cultural change transforming the lives of our rural population, and to foster an in-depth knowledge about the same among the students, an inter-class debate was organised for classes 6 and 7 on the topic, 'A Question of Control', during which the students gave their opinions in favour and against the system of Panchayati Raj as an integral learning process. The young citizens also made banners on the merits and demerits of Panchayati Raj. The activity offered a well researched and organised insight into this system, and how it functions within such a complex national and judicial framework.

The students of classes 8 and 9 had an interactive session with their social science teacher about the pros and cons of a local governing body and the role of the Panchayati Raj system. They also had a creative writing session with their English teacher, where they put their thoughts on paper about the need for decentralisation in a country like India. These activities aimed at the students' development of cognitive, communication and creative writing skills.

The celebration of this day helped in developing the interest of the curious learners and future voters about how this systematic manner of authority plays a vital role in navigating the hardships of people even at the local level.