To commemorate this year’s Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the birth anniversary of the revered tribal leader Birsa Munda, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing Special Gram Sabha-cum-Orientation/Training Programme on 15^th November 2024 in Gram Panchayats / villages having substantial tribal population. This initiative will honour the contributions of tribal communities, aligning with the Government of India’s vision for a developed, inclusive Bharat. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will pay homage to Birsa Munda by engaging with tribal communities to strengthen their role in rural governance through Capacity Building & Training on Panchayat Extension in Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act and Forest Rights Act (FRA).

To honour all the Tribal Freedom Fighters and for remembering and acknowledging their contribution in freedom struggle movement & protecting cultural heritage, this year, 4th Janjatiya Gaurav Divas will be  celebrated during the period from 15^th November 2024 to 26^th November 2024. The year 2025 has been declared  as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, to commemorate 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas program on 15th November 2024 in Jamui, Bihar, marking the beginning of nationwide events.

As part of the special initiative, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been focusing on the effective implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and the Forest Rights Act (FRA). In collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and supported by partners like the Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF) and the Piramal Foundation, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj aims to reach over 450 Districts, 2400 Blocks, 29,000 Gram Panchayats, and around 51,000 villages in 27 States and Union Territories, excluding election-bound States like Jharkhand and Maharashtra, having tribal populations.

A structured approach will guide the Special Gram Sabha on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has advised Departments of Panchayati Raj of all concerned States/UTs, except Jharkhand and Maharashtra, to call upon the Gram Panchayats for the celebration.  Reading of the Constitution’s Preamble, and pledges on cleanliness and drug-free communities will also be conducted on the occassion including tree-planting activity “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam”, will honour special guests, with fruit-bearing trees planted in their name wherever possible.

The program includes an Orientation/Training session for at least 50 participants, including Panchayat representatives and Gram Sabha members, focusing on key topics such as PESA, FRA, Sustainable Development Goals, Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs), and the Panchayat Development Index (PDI). Gram Sabha meeting will be held to discuss the PDI score, thematic Sankalp, Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) for 2025–26, and any other agenda item(s) as per the notice. The event will conclude with a summary and singing of  the National Anthem.

This initiative also builds on the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan launched by the Prime Minister on 2nd October 2024. This campaign aims to saturate social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood needs in tribal areas through the coordinated efforts of 17 Ministries. Within this framework, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) will support capacity building for Gram Sabhas and officials working with FRA, in alignment with the comprehensive framework for tribal empowerment and rural development envisioned by the Government of India.

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