On April 1, 2025, a high-level delegation from Mozambique visited India to explore its decentralised governance model, particularly the Panchayati Raj system. The interactive session was hosted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and led by Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary, and Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, MoPR. The Mozambican team was headed by Prof. Benigna Zimba, Coordinator of the Commission of Reflection on the Model of Decentralisation (CREMOD). 

Shri Lohani provided an in-depth overview of India’s local self-governance journey, emphasising constitutional backing through the 73rd Amendment and the strong representation of women in local bodies. He highlighted key governance reforms over the last decade that have driven grassroots transformation. 

Shri Nagar spoke on the operational mechanisms of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), with a focus on digital transformation and e-Governance, including initiatives like e-GramSwaraj integration with GeM. Topics such as capacity building, own-source revenue mobilisation, Finance Commission Grants, SDG localisation, and the PESA Act were also discussed. 

The Mozambican delegation, which included government and CREMOD officials, expressed keen interest in India’s use of digital tools for enhancing efficiency and transparency and saw potential for adopting similar practices back home. 

(PIB)