The Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Development Research (CMDR), Dharwad, through the Abdul Nazir Sab Panchayat Raj Chair, organized a Two-Day National Seminar on “Role of Gram Panchayats in Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Achievements, Challenges, and Solutions” on November 20–21, 2025. The seminar served as a national platform for policymakers, academicians, researchers, elected representatives, and development practitioners to deliberate on the critical role of Gram Panchayats in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The seminar focused on assessing the contributions of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in promoting inclusive, participatory, and sustainable rural development. Key themes included decentralized governance through the 4Fs (Functions, Funds, Functionaries, and Freedom), Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), resource mobilization, social inclusion, digital governance, livelihood promotion, climate resilience, and capacity building. A total of 78 abstracts were received from scholars across India, of which 45 were selected and 34 full-length papers were presented. Experts from more than 15 states participated in technical sessions, keynote lectures, and panel discussions. The deliberations highlighted the need for stronger fiscal and administrative decentralization, enhanced own-source revenue generation, digital transformation, participatory planning, and leadership development at the grassroots level. The seminar concluded with a comprehensive set of policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Gram Panchayats as institutions of self-governance and positioning them as key drivers of inclusive growth, social justice, and sustainable development in India's journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Narayana Billava (Mon,) studied this question.