New Delhi, Aug. 13 -- The panchayati raj ministry will host 210 panchayat representatives from 28 states and Union territories as special guests for the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi on 15 August.

This comes as India sticks to its stand of protecting farmers in trade talks with the US. According to a press statement from the panchayati raj ministry, the panchayat representatives will be accompanied by their spouses and nodal officers, and 425 participants are expected to attend.

This year's special guests include a significant number of women panchayat leaders who have brought visible improvements in their gram panchayats, like better infrastructure, enhanced public services and inclusive community initiativ...