New Delh : The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been awarded with the Bronze Medal under Empowering India category for Excellence in Display at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF–2024), held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 14th to 27th November 2024. Dr. Bijaya Kumar Behera, Economic Adviser, MoPR received the prestigious award during the Award Presentation Ceremony organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) on 27th November, 2024.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s Pavilion, located at Hall 4, Stall No. 4G-12A in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi emerged as a significant attraction during the 43rd India International Trade Fair. Themed ‘Panchayat@ViksitBharat2047’, the exhibition provided a comprehensive overview of the digital transformation underway in Panchayats of India, showcasing the nation’s transformative and determined journey towards becoming a developed country by 2047, where rural India will have a pivotal role to play.
The MoPR pavilion drew substantial visitor engagement through innovative technological displays, including interactive digital interfaces, immersive 3D models, and compelling virtual reality experiences. Visitors were particularly impressed by key technological interventions such as the Meri Panchayat App, Panchayat Nirnay, e-GramSwaraj platform that is available in 22 Indian languages, and the Gram Manchitra’s advanced geospatial technology.
Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, visited the pavilion on 25th November, 2024, interacted with visitors and emphasized the importance of government schemes and digital applications. He encouraged citizens to leverage the extensive services available at Panchayat Bhawan and Common Service Centers, highlighting the convenience of accessing online citizen services.
Inaugurated by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, on 14th November, 2024, the exhibition demonstrated how digital solutions are empowering the Panchayati raj Institutions and thereby the rural communities. Notable exhibits included the SVAMITVA Scheme showcasing modernized rural property rights, Panchayat NIRNAY ensuring governance transparency, and a Smart Panchayat model powered by solar energy with internet connectivity.
The MoPR pavilion, witnessing an impressive daily footfall count ranging between 15,000 – 20,000, successfully captured the attention of visitors from National Capital Region and neighbouring States, who recognized the Ministry’s efforts as being in larger public interest. Young visitors showed particular enthusiasm in the Quiz “Quest for Panchayat”, with the selfie spot becoming a centre of attraction. Around 400 visitors won the prizes during the Quiz sessions at MoPR pavilion. Urban citizens expressed remarkable interest in the transformative changes taking place in rural India.
Throughout the IITF 2024, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj effectively communicated its vision of creating technologically advanced, transparent, and accountable Panchayati Raj Institutions, marking a significant milestone in India’s rural local self-governance and rural development narrative.