Jammu and Kashmir on Friday celebrated National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) 2026 with widespread public participation, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy and community-led development.
Thousands of people across 4,291 Gram Panchayats took part in programmes held at Panchayat, Block and District levels across the Union Territory.
Observed annually on April 24, the day commemorates the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This year marks 33 years of the landmark reform.
The theme, “Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas” (Empowered Panchayats, Holistic Development), was reflected across all events. Gram Sabhas were convened in all Panchayats, focusing on key priorities such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Own Source Revenue (OSR) and the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI), with emphasis on transparency, accountability and inclusive participation.
Awareness activities under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, including rallies and outreach programmes, were also organised as part of the ongoing 100-day action plan to promote drug-free Panchayats. Cultural and youth engagement activities added to the celebrations.
Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal participated in programmes at Laswara Panchayat in Bishnah Block and Allah Panchayat in Arnia Block, where special Gram Sabhas were held.
He stressed aligning Panchayat development with SDGs to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and called for greater participation of women, Scheduled Tribes and marginalised communities. He highlighted the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) as a tool for assessing performance and identifying development gaps.
Emphasising the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, he said the initiative aims to make every Panchayat drug-free through sustained community efforts, while also underlining the need for rehabilitation of those affected by substance abuse.
He also interacted with local residents and listened to their grievances, reiterating the government’s commitment to responsive and participatory grassroots governance.