New Delhi is set to witness a groundbreaking initiative in rural governance as the Ministry of Panchayati Raj announced the launch of ‘Pancham’ – the Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot – in collaboration with UNICEF. This innovative tool aims to empower panchayats across India by providing instant information and support right at their fingertips.
The announcement came on Saturday, highlighting the chatbot’s role in streamlining access to crucial data and resources for local self-governance bodies. As rural India continues to drive national development, such digital interventions promise to bridge gaps in communication and efficiency.
On Sunday, the ministry will host a grand felicitation ceremony to honor outstanding panchayat representatives. These leaders, selected from various states and union territories, have been invited as special guests to witness the 2026 Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Professor SP Singh Baghel, will personally award them for their exemplary contributions.
The event will also feature the release of several key documents, including the 17th edition of Gramodya Sankalp magazine, a 2025 compendium of basic data on Panchayati Raj Institutions, a report from the expert committee on panchayat-level services, and the PESA Performance and Implementation Rank Indicator. These publications underscore the government’s commitment to data-driven rural progress.
Around 240 panchayat heads – including sarpanchs, mukhiyas, gram pradhans, and block and district panchayat chairpersons – from panchayats that have fully implemented central government schemes will receive honors. Their ground-level efforts in advancing the vision of a developed India make them true champions of grassroots governance.
In a special gesture, the ministry has invited these leaders along with their spouses, totaling nearly 450 special guests for the Republic Day celebrations. On January 25, they will visit the Prime Ministers’ Museum to explore India’s post-independence leadership and governance journey. The highlight will be the ministry’s Republic Day tableau themed ‘SwaMithva Yojana: From Self-Reliant Panchayats to a Prosperous and Self-Reliant India’.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to address the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. Her speech, set for 7 PM, will be broadcast on All India Radio’s national network and telecast on Doordarshan channels in Hindi followed by English.
