More than 575 elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, along with their spouses, were honored as special guests at the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, showcasing the spirit of rural India. According to a press release from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, these representatives, including 40% women, reflect the country’s progress toward gender-inclusive governance.
On the eve of Republic Day, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized a felicitation ceremony for Panchayat leaders, acknowledging their significant role in implementing key government schemes in their regions.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the Panchayat leaders’ pivotal contribution to ensuring the success of flagship schemes such as Har Ghar Jal Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), and Ayushman Bharat. He emphasized that their involvement has enhanced the “Ease of Living” for rural communities, adding that the presence of over 575 Panchayat leaders at the Republic Day Parade symbolized their journey from “Karmakshetra” to “Kartavya Path.”
Commending the participation of 132 women leaders, the Minister praised their transformative role in rural governance. He also announced a six-fold increase in financial allocations for Panchayats over the past decade, which has empowered villages to foster development while preserving their traditions.
He stressed that a prosperous rural India is key to a developed nation, further highlighting the positive impact of schemes like SVAMITVA in resolving property disputes.
Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, emphasized the growth in financial support to Panchayats for rural infrastructure, with per capita allocations increasing from Rs.176 under the 13th Finance Commission to Rs.674 under the 15th Finance Commission. He called upon Panchayats to provide essential services through Panchayat Bhawans and encouraged weather forecasting at the Gram Panchayat level through the ‘Meri Panchayat’ App.
Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Vivek Bharadwaj, highlighted technological advancements such as eGramSwaraj and Gram Manchitra, which are driving transparency and helping achieve Sustainable Development Goals in rural areas. He urged Panchayats to enhance their Own Source Revenue (OSR) for sustainable growth.
The event also saw the release of the 15th e-edition of “Gramoday Sankalp” and the recognition of exemplary Panchayats and winners of the Constitution Day Quiz Contest. Several senior officials, including Additional Secretary Sushil Kumar Lohani and Joint Secretary Alok Prem Nagar, were present at the event.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development’s tableau at the Republic Day 2025 Parade magnificently showcased the life cycle continuity approach of its key schemes and highlighted the theme of Women-Led Development. According to a press release issued by the Ministry on Sunday, the tableau celebrated the integral role of women in the nation’s progress.
At the centre of the display was a mother cradling her daughter, symbolizing the pivotal role of mothers as the first educators in a child’s life. Surrounding this touching portrayal were vibrant depictions of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and milk, representing the Ministry’s flagship initiatives, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan Abhiyaan, aimed at combating malnutrition and fostering a healthier future for India’s children and mothers.
The tableau also commemorated milestones like 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign and 50 years of the Anganwadi Scheme. Programs such as PM CARES for Children, Palna, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls were also spotlighted, emphasizing the Ministry’s dedication to safeguarding and empowering women and children.
Another key element of the tableau was the portrayal of women participating in modern technology and artificial intelligence, symbolizing their growing roles in shaping a progressive and inclusive India. The heart of the display captured the “Shakti Swaroop” of Indian women—empowered, resilient, and capable of excelling in various fields, from science and medicine to administration, AI, and space exploration.
The vibrant visuals conveyed the powerful message that an empowered woman is central to building a strong nation, encapsulated in the slogan “Sashakt Naari, Sashakt Bharat” (Empowered Women, Empowered India). The tableau served as a tribute to the strength, independence, and multitasking abilities of India’s women, reinforcing their role as the backbone of the country’s development.