Chatrapur: Ganjam district has added another feather to its cap by securing three prestigious national-level Panchayat awards, reaffirming its position as one of the country’s leading districts in grassroots governance and sustainable rural development.
At a national awards ceremony held in New Delhi, Ganjam district received the coveted Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Sustainable Development Award, while two Gram Panchayats from the district were honoured with the Deendayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Awards. Of the four Panchayats and one district from Odisha selected for the national recognition, Ganjam alone accounted for three awards.
Mandar Gram Panchayat under Polsara Block was recognised as the second-best “Socially Just and Secure Panchayat” in the country, while Potlampur Gram Panchayat under Chatrapur Block secured the distinction of being the third-best Healthy Panchayat at the national level. Ganjam district itself was adjudged the second-best District Panchayat in India.
The awards, along with trophies, citations and incentive grants, were presented by the Union Minister of Panchayati Raj at a ceremony in the national capital. The honours were received on behalf of the district by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Anjali Swain, Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer-cum-Chief Development Officer Sameer Kumar Jena, and representatives of the award-winning Panchayats.
As part of the recognition, Ganjam district received an incentive grant of Rs 3 crore, while Mandar and Potlampur Panchayats were awarded Rs 37.50 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, respectively.
Expressing happiness over the achievement, Collector V. Keerthi Vasan attributed the success to the collective efforts of Panchayati Raj institutions, public representatives, district administration, Self Help Groups and the people of Ganjam. He said the awards reflected the district’s commitment to inclusive development and effective grassroots governance.
“The credit for this accomplishment goes entirely to the people of Ganjam district. Their active participation and cooperation have enabled us to achieve excellence in various development indicators,” the Collector said.
He added that the recognition would encourage Panchayats across the district to undertake more innovative and people-centric initiatives in the future.
The awards are based on nine development parameters prescribed by the Government of India for achieving sustainable development goals at the local level. Ganjam’s outstanding performance across these indicators helped it secure the national honours.
Noting that Ganjam has consistently earned recognition at the national level over the years, the Collector said the district has once again upheld its reputation for excellence. He also urged citizens to contribute towards environmental conservation by avoiding single-use plastic, promoting plantation drives and actively participating in initiatives related to education, health, sports, literature and culture.
Officials said the latest recognition highlights Ganjam’s continued efforts towards sustainable development, good governance and community participation, setting an example for Panchayats across the country.
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