National Panchayati Raj Day Significance Every year, to mark | LBSNAA : OUR DREAM IAS (UPSC)
National Panchayati Raj Day
Significance
Every year, to mark the historic moment of decentralisation of power, India celebrates National Panchayati Raj day on April 24.
History
* The day marks the enactment of the 73rd amendment of the constitution in 1992.
* Through this historic amendment, the powers of the grassroots were decentralised and the foundation of an institution called Panchayati Raj was laid.
* Even before the Constitution declared the diversifying power structure, India realised the need for having governing bodies for the rural areas.
* In 1957, a committee was established under the chairmanship of Balwantrai Mehta, which suggested bringing on the reforms of the central power system.
* In 1959, Rajasthan became the first state to implement the system in the country.
Word ‘Panchayat’
* The word Panchayat is an amalgamation of two words, ‘Panch’ and ‘Ayat’.
* Panch means five and ayat means assembly, therefore, Panchayat is said to be an assembly of five members who work for the upliftment of the local communities and resolve disputes at a lower level.
Today also marks 1 year of Svamitva Scheme for Rural Development!
* It is a reformative step towards establishment of clear ownership of property in rural inhabited (Abadi) areas, by mapping of land parcels using drone technology.
* It provides ‘Record of Rights’ to village household owners with issuance of legal ownership cards (Property cards/Title deeds) to the property owners.
* The Scheme is implemented with the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Revenue Department, State Panchayati Raj Department and Survey of India.
* The scheme covers multifarious aspects viz. facilitating monetisation of properties and enabling bank loan; reducing property related disputes; comprehensive village level planning.
