Panchayat Raj was inaugurated on October 2nd, 1959 by

The correct answer is Jawaharlal Nehru.Key Points

• Jawaharlal Nehru formally inaugurated Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan on 2nd October 1959 at Nagaur.
• The first elections under the Rajasthan Panchayat Samitis and Zilla Parishads Act, 1959 were held in September-October 1959.
• This scheme was later on implemented in Andhra Pradesh in 1959 itself.
• National Panchayati Raj Diwas (Day) is celebrated every year in India on 24th April. ​

Additional Information

• The reason for celebrating Panchayati Raj day is the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992.
• The passing of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992 came into force with effect from 24 April 1993.  
• Schedule 11 contains 29 subjects.
• This schedule covers important topics such as Panchayat's powers, rural development, poverty alleviation, market, roads and drinking water, etc.