Ministry of Panchayati Raj

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is a Government of India ministry responsible for the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment and the strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions across rural India. It works to deepen grassroots democracy, build the capacity of elected representatives, and devolve functions, finances, and functionaries to local self-government bodies. The ministry administers flagship initiatives that combine technology, finance, and capacity-building to make panchayats vibrant institutions of local self-government. Key platforms include the eGramSwaraj digital reporting system for decentralised planning and accounting, the SVAMITVA scheme that maps inhabited village land using drone surveys to issue property cards, the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan that strengthens institutional capacity of panchayats, and the National Panchayat Awards that recognise excellence in local governance. Through partnerships with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, the ministry also designs training modules and civic-engagement programmes that introduce school students and youth to the working of Gram Sabhas and participatory village governance.