New Delhi, April 24 -- Panchayati Raj Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj on Friday praised the role of elected representatives in rural governance, saying they are not just performing the duties of the third tier of government but are also actively resolving the problems of rural citizens.

He added that they are fulfilling the aspirations of villagers while addressing grassroots issues and called for reflection on the system's progress, challenges and future opportunities.

"On National Panchayati Raj Day, I would like to congratulate the lakhs of elected representatives in panchayats who are fulfilling the dreams of rural citizens. They are not just performing the duties of the third tier of government but are also resolving the problems of rura...