Haveri
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Ruchi Bindal said that true democracy is achieved when administration responds effectively to the needs of people at the village level. She emphasized that the Panchayat system forms the foundation of the country’s development and urged officials to implement government schemes responsibly.
She was speaking at the National Panchayat Raj Day celebration held at the Zilla Panchayat Hall on Thursday.
Bindal said that National Panchayat Raj Day is observed every year on April 24 to mark the enforcement of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which gave constitutional status to local self-governance in rural India. The amendment, passed in 1992 and implemented in 1993, strengthened the Panchayat system and brought governance closer to the people.
She explained that the amendment created a three-tier system of governance consisting of Gram Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat, and Zilla Panchayat. This structure allows people to directly participate in administration and ensures that democracy functions at the grassroots level.
She highlighted that the system promotes equal representation by providing reservation for women, Scheduled Castes, and other communities. The provision of at least 33 percent reservation for women has significantly strengthened women’s participation in rural leadership, with many states increasing it to 50 percent.
Bindal also stressed the importance of Gram Sabhas as a platform for direct public participation. She said that decisions on development works, planning, expenditure review, and social audit are carried out through Gram Sabhas, ensuring transparency and accountability.
She noted that 29 subjects, including agriculture, health, education, drinking water, sanitation, and rural roads, have been devolved to Panchayats, enabling them to plan and implement development according to local needs.
During the programme, several awards for outstanding service were presented to Taluk and Gram Panchayats, officials, and staff for their performance in 2025–26. Rattihalli Taluk Panchayat and Narayanpur Gram Panchayat were recognized for highest tax collection, while Havanur Gram Panchayat was honoured for developing a model awareness centre. Devagiri Gram Panchayat was also appreciated for women-friendly initiatives.
Bindal said these awards encourage healthy competition and better public service in rural administration. Officials from various departments and development bodies attended the event, which focused on strengthening rural governance and improving public service delivery.