New Delhi is set to witness a groundbreaking initiative in rural governance as the Ministry of Panchayati Raj announces the launch of ‘Pancham’, a cutting-edge chatbot developed in partnership with UNICEF. This innovative tool, standing for Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot, aims to empower panchayats across India by providing instant access to critical information and support.
The announcement comes ahead of a prestigious honor ceremony scheduled for Sunday, where selected panchayat representatives will be felicitated. These leaders, invited as special guests to witness the 2026 Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, embody excellence in grassroots governance. Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Professor SP Singh Baghel, will personally honor them for their outstanding contributions.
The event will also feature the release of 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 PESA performance and implementation rank indicators. These publications underscore the ministry’s commitment to data-driven development at the local level.
Among the honorees are sarpanchs, mukhiyas, gram pradhans, and block and district panchayat presidents from panchayats that have fully implemented central government schemes. Approximately 240 such leaders, nominated by states and union territories, will be recognized for their ground-level efforts in advancing the vision of a developed India.
In a special gesture, the ministry is inviting around 450 special guests, including these leaders and their spouses, to the Republic Day celebrations. On January 25, they will visit the Prime Ministers’ Museum to explore India’s post-independence leadership journey and view the ministry’s tableau themed ‘SwaMithva Yojana: From Self-Reliant Panchayats to a Prosperous and Self-Reliant India’ during the parade.
This initiative highlights the pivotal role of panchayats in nation-building, blending technology with tradition to foster self-reliance. As India gears up for Republic Day, these efforts signal a brighter future for rural empowerment.