Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has taken a major decision today and declared March 5 as working day and to celebrate the Biju Patnaik Jayanti in a grand manner every year. As per the decision, the Panchayati Raj Diwas, which was earlier observed on March 5, will now be celebrated on April 24.
In a press release the Chief Minister’s office said that since 2020, the Panchayati Raj Diwas in Odisha has been observed on March 5. However, nationally, the day is celebrated on April 24, coinciding with the anniversary of the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which institutionalized Panchayati Raj systems in India. On this day, representatives from across the country are honoured with awards such as the National Panchayat Awards, Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Awards, and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme Awards.
Today, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the proposal to observe the Panchayati Raj Diwas in the State on April 24 instead of March 5 with the aim to ensure uniformity with the national observance. Besides, the Lok Seva Dibas (Public Service Day) will also be celebrated on April 24.
However, the State government has decided to celebrate the Biju Jayanti, the birth anniversary of state’s iconic leader, Biju Patnaik on March 5. But it will not be observed as a public holiday.
