What Initiatives is the Ministry of Panchayati Raj Launching with UNICEF?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PANCHAM Chatbot: A new initiative to support Panchayat institutions.
- Recognition Ceremony: Honoring local leaders for their contributions.
- Republic Day Parade: Celebrating grassroots governance.
- Significant Publications: Launch of critical reports and magazines.
- Presidential Address: Insights from President Droupadi Murmu.
New Delhi, Jan 24 (NationPress) The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is preparing to unveil its new initiatives, featuring the PANCHAM – Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot – created in partnership with UNICEF, as announced on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Ministry will host a ceremony to recognize elected Panchayat representatives who have been invited as Special Guests to attend the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
The honored guests will receive accolades from Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Professor SP Singh Baghel, as per the ministry's statement.
This occasion will also feature the release of the 17th edition of Gramoday Sankalp magazine, the Compendium of Basic Statistics on Panchayati Raj Institutions–2025, the Expert Committee Report on Service Delivery at the Panchayat Level, and the PESA Performance and Implementation Rank Indicators.
According to the statement, the honorees include Sarpanches, Mukhiyas, Gram Pradhans, and Block and District Panchayat Presidents from Panchayats that have successfully implemented various flagship Central Government schemes.
Approximately 240 panchayat heads, selected by states and union territories, will be acknowledged for their significant contributions at the grassroots level and their commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
For the Republic Day Parade, the Ministry is accommodating Heads of PRIs/RLBs along with their spouses, totaling nearly 450 Special Guests.
These special invitees will have the opportunity to visit the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya on January 25 to learn about India’s leadership and governance journey since Independence, as well as to view the Ministry's Tableau during the Parade, themed “SVAMITVA Scheme: Aatmanirbhar Panchayat se Samriddh evam Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
In the meantime, President Droupadi Murmu will deliver a national address on the eve of the 77th Republic Day on Sunday. The speech will be broadcast at 7 PM across the entire national network of Akashvani and aired on all Doordarshan channels in Hindi, followed by an English version.