Odisha to Observe Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24
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Synopsis
The Odisha government has officially changed the date of the annual Panchayati Raj Diwas to April 24, aligning it with the National Panchayati Raj Day, which celebrates local self-governance. This decision aims to standardize observances and ensure recognition of Panchayati Raj contributions.
Key Takeaways
- Panchayati Raj Diwas now celebrated on April 24.
- Aligns with National Panchayati Raj Day.
- Previous date was March 5, Biju Patnaik's birthday.
- State will also observe Lok Seva Diwas on April 24.
- No public holiday for Biju Patnaik's birthday.
Bhubaneswar, March 3 (NationPress) The Odisha government declared on Monday that the state will now commemorate the annual Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24, changing from the previous date of March 5, which is significant as the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
It is essential to note that National Panchayati Raj Day is annually celebrated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on April 24 to honor the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 of the Constitution, which was enacted in 1993.
The nation observes local self-governance and democratic decentralization each year on April 24.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office indicated that the timing change for Panchayati Raj Diwas from March 5 to April 24 is intended to align with the National Panchayati Raj Day. This adjustment is aimed at creating uniformity between state and national celebrations.
“To eliminate the inconsistency in the observance of Panchayati Raj Day at both national and state levels, the state government has resolved to celebrate it on April 24 moving forward instead of March 5. Additionally, Lok Seva Diwas will also be observed on April 24. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved this proposal,” the CMO statement noted.
Previously, Odisha marked the birth anniversary of the iconic Biju Patnaik on March 5 as Panchayati Raj Diwas annually.
However, at the national level, April 24 is recognized for acknowledging the efforts of panchayat representatives, with awards such as the Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar and the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme Awards being presented.
The state government also announced that the birth anniversary of the legendary leader Biju Patnaik on March 5 will be celebrated with grandeur throughout the state. Nonetheless, it has been clarified that the day will not be recognized as a public holiday.
This announcement followed a criticism from the opposition Biju Janata Dal regarding the insufficient preparations by the state government for the observance of Panchayati Raj Diwas on March 5.
