• In India, the National Panchayati Raj Day (National Local Self-Government day) is observed annually on 24 April by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to celebrate the Panchayati Raj System in the country.
• The first National Panchayati Raj Day was declared by the then Prime Minister of India Shri Manmohan Singh, on 24 April 2010.
• The day marks the passing of Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993.
• There are more than 2.6 lakh Panchayats in the country.

Panchayati Raj System :

• The Panchayati Raj Act came into effect on April 24, 1993 and thus, the National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated on April 24. It was introduced through the 73rd Constitutional amendment.
• The establishment of Panchayati Raj System in the country was recommended by Balwant Rai Committee.