The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has been awarded, the Bronze Medal.

The Medal has come to the Ministry under Empowering India category for Excellence in Display at the 43rdIndia 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 Thursday.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s Pavilion emerged as a significant attraction during the 43rd India International Trade Fair. 

Under the Themed ‘Panchayat@ViksitBharat2047’, the exhibition elicited a comprehensive overview of the digital transformation underway in rural India. In effect, it showcased the nation’s transformative and determined journey towards becoming a developed country by 2047. 

Visitors were particularly impressed by key technological interventions such as the Meri Panchayat App, e-GramSwaraj platform available in 22 Indian languages and the Gram Manchitra's advanced geospatial technology.

Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, visited the pavilion on 25th November 2024 and also interacted with the visitors. He laid emphasis on the importance of government schemes, digital applications and the need for citizens to leverage the extensive services available at Panchayat Bhawan and Common Service Centers.

Inaugurated by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, on 14th November 2024, the exhibition demonstrated how digital solutions are empowering 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 high-speed internet connectivity.

According to the official data, the MoPR pavilion, “witnessed an impressive daily footfall count ranging between 15,000 - 20,000 approximately, successfully captured the attention of visitors, who appreciated 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. 

Over 400 visitors won T-shirts as the prizes during the Quiz sessions at MoPR pavilion. Urban citizens expressed remarkable interest in the transformative changes taking place in rural India. 

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, through IITF 2024, 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.