In a bid to revolutionize rural administration, India’s Ministry of Panchayati Raj is collaborating with UNICEF to introduce ‘Pancham’, an AI-powered chatbot designed exclusively for panchayat support. Unveiled on Saturday, this Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot promises to bridge information gaps in remote villages, offering real-time guidance on schemes and governance.
Sunday’s honor event will spotlight top-performing panchayat leaders handpicked for the 2026 Republic Day Parade invitation. Professor SP Singh Baghel, the Union Minister of State, will present awards to these champions of local development. The ceremony doubles as a platform for launching vital resources: the latest Gramodya Sankalp issue, 2025 PRI data compilation, service delivery expert report, and PESA ranking metrics.
Honorees hail from high-achieving panchayats where flagship central programs have been impeccably executed. From sarpanchs to district presidents, 240 nominees from across states and UTs are being celebrated for propelling Viksit Bharat at the grassroots.
The ministry’s outreach extends to 450 guests, including spouses, for Republic Day festivities. A museum tour on January 25 will enrich their understanding of national progress, complemented by the parade’s spotlight on the ‘SwaMithva Yojana’ tableau promoting self-reliant panchayats.
This tech infusion marks a new era in decentralized governance, ensuring panchayats are equipped for sustainable growth. With President Droupadi Murmu’s address on Republic Day eve, the nation reflects on unity and progress, with rural leaders at the forefront.