Five Odisha Panchayats Clinch National Awards for Outstanding Rural Development
In a significant recognition of grassroots governance, five panchayats from Odisha have been honored with national awards for their exemplary achievements across various development sectors in 2025. This prestigious accolade includes three panchayats from Ganjam district, highlighting the region's commitment to rural progress.
Ganjam District Secures Top Honors
Ganjam district has been awarded the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar for being recognized as the second-best district panchayat in the entire country. This award underscores the district's consistent efforts in sustainable development and effective administration at the panchayat level.
The official communication regarding these awards was conveyed by Bijaya Kumar Behera, the economic adviser of the panchayati raj ministry. He informed Girish S N, the commissioner-cum-secretary of Odisha's panchayat raj department, about the selection of the five panchayats for the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar and the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.
Details of the Award-Winning Panchayats
The award-winning panchayats have demonstrated exceptional performance in specific categories:
- Potalampur Panchayat (Chhatrapur block, Ganjam district) secured the third position nationally in the healthy, socially just, and socially secured panchayat category.
- Mandar Panchayat (Polasara block, Ganjam district) achieved the second position in the same category.
- Champua Panchayat (Kendujhar district) was ranked third in the water-sufficient, clean, and green panchayat category.
- Lathiketa Panchayat (Sundargarh district) secured the second position in the water-sufficient, clean, and green panchayat category.
Rigorous Evaluation Process
The central government announced these awards following a thorough assessment by a central team that conducted physical verification visits to the respective rural bodies. The team meticulously evaluated their achievements across different fields, ensuring that the recognition is based on tangible outcomes and ground-level impact.
While the awards have been announced, the central government is yet to declare the official date for the award distribution ceremony, which will formally honor these panchayats for their contributions.
Spotlight on Social Security and Healthcare Initiatives
Shashi Bhusan Mohapatra, the block development officer of Polasara, provided insights into Mandar panchayat's success. He emphasized that every eligible individual in the panchayat has been covered under social security schemes. Remarkably, the panchayat utilized its own resources to provide monetary benefits to beneficiaries until they received government support, spending approximately Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 monthly on pensions for eligible residents.
Out of a total population of 5,484 in Mandar panchayat, an impressive 987 people are covered under various social security schemes, demonstrating a robust welfare framework.
In Potalampur panchayat, health camps are conducted regularly, and all national health programs have been implemented successfully. Sambit Sahoo, the block development officer of Chhatrapur, highlighted that the infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate have been zero for the past three years, with 100% institutional deliveries, showcasing outstanding healthcare outcomes.
These achievements reflect the dedication of Odisha's panchayats to fostering sustainable development, social justice, and environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for rural governance across India.
