Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, on Thursday praised the significant transformation in local self-governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Speaking at the National Panchayati Raj Day celebration at Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat in Bihar’s Madhubani district, Singh highlighted major strides made in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
He said that fund devolution to PRIs has increased nearly sevenfold over the past decade compared to allocations made during the 13th Finance Commission period. This, he said, reflects the Centre’s unwavering focus on strengthening grassroots democracy.
Singh also emphasized the role of digital governance in driving this change. Tools such as the eGramSwaraj portal have, according to him, improved efficiency, transparency, and the quality of life in rural India. He also cited innovations like Panchayat-level weather forecasting, leadership training programs in collaboration with IIMs, and women-centric initiatives aimed at bolstering female leadership in rural governance.
“A truly developed India cannot be imagined until its villages and Panchayats are fully developed,” Singh said, reiterating the government’s vision for inclusive and rural-led growth.
The event saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi launch and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 13,480 crore. These span multiple sectors including housing, rural infrastructure, electricity, roads, and digital connectivity.
Also present at the event were Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Singh noted that the Prime Minister’s decision to address the nation from a Gram Panchayat underscores the government’s deep-rooted commitment to rural empowerment.
A highlight of the celebration was the distribution of national awards for excellence in rural governance. These included the Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA), Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA), and the Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP).
Six Gram Panchayats and three institutions from eight states were felicitated, including three Panchayats—Motipur (Bihar), Dawwa S (Maharashtra), and Hatbadra (Odisha)—led by women Sarpanches, highlighting the increasing role of women in grassroots leadership.
