Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh today said that the government has allocated 4.35 lakh crore rupees under the Sixteenth Finance Commission to local bodies, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to grassroots development. Addressing the National Panchayat Awards (NPA-2025) Ceremony in New Delhi, Mr Singh said that rural development forms the foundation of a developed India and that the country’s progress is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of villages.
Emphasising the role of technology in modern governance, the Minister called for greater adoption of Artificial Intelligence, digital tools and innovative solutions in Panchayat administration. He added that Panchayati Raj Institutions are playing a pivotal role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Mr Singh also urged Panchayat representatives to strengthen their own sources of revenue and adopt innovative strategies for sustainable growth. The Minister conferred 34 Gram Panchayats awards under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar category. 8 panchayats were conferred awards under the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar category. The award ceremony covered the remaining categories of NPA-2025.
