29-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Odisha to introduce panchayat awards for recognising excellence in rural governance: Min
BHUBANESWAR: To improve grassroots-level governance, enhance livelihood opportunities and ensure inclusive development, the Odisha government has decided to introduce state-level panchayat awards to recognise and reward gram panchayats, panchayat samitis and zilla parishads for their contribution to governance, service delivery and rural development.
Announcing this at a media conference on Monday, Panchayati Raj minister Rabi Narayan Naik said the awards will be given from the 2024-25 financial year. 'The state government has allocated around Rs 4 crore for implementation of the awards. The panchayati raj institutions will be chosen for the awards based on their performance under the Local Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) in nine thematic areas,' he added. Just as the Centre motivates panchayats with national awards, the Odisha government is also introducing the state panchayat awards for rewarding good work in rural governance, Naik said.
The top three gram panchayats, panchayat samitis and zilla parishads will be awarded at the state level. 'Besides, the top three panchayat samitis and gram panchayats will also be awarded at the district level,' he said, adding the best performing three panchayats will be recognised at the block level with certificates.
