Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to observe Panchayati Raj Day on April 24 instead of March 5. There had been uncertainty regarding the date in recent days, but on Monday evening, the Chief Minister’s Office issued a press statement clarifying the matter. The statement mentioned that the discrepancy between the state and national Panchayati Raj Day has now been resolved.
Previously, March 5, the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik, the legendary leader and former Chief Minister of Odisha, was observed as Panchayati Raj Day in the state every year. However, the Odisha government has now stated that while March 5 was traditionally observed as Panchayati Raj Day in Odisha, April 24 is officially recognized as National Panchayati Raj Day.
On April 24, various states across India commemorate Panchayati Raj Day by honoring panchayat representatives and presenting National Gram Sabha Awards and Mahatma Gandhi Awards. Given this, the Odisha government has now aligned its observance of Panchayati Raj Day with the national date.
Meanwhile, the state government has decided to celebrate March 5 with grand ceremonies in honor of Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary, recognizing his contributions to Odisha.