Bhubaneswar, 11 May (H.S.) : Odisha has achieved a significant milestone at the National Panchayat Awards–2025, with its panchayats securing five prestigious awards for outstanding performance in grassroots governance and sustainable development.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the achievement as a moment of immense pride for the state, highlighting Odisha’s growing leadership in decentralized governance and rural development.

In a social media post, the Chief Minister noted that the Ganjam District Panchayat has been honoured as the second-best district panchayat in the country with the prestigious “Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.”

He further stated that Potolampur Panchayat in Ganjam district received the “Healthy Panchayat” award, while Padua Panchayat in Kendujhar district was recognized under the “Water-Sufficient Panchayat” category. Hattibandha Panchayat in Sundargarh district was awarded in the “Clean and Green Panchayat” category, and Mandar Panchayat in Ganjam district was honoured under the “Social Justice and Social Security Panchayat” category with the “Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025.”

The Chief Minister congratulated the respective panchayats, elected representatives, administrative officials, and local communities for their collective efforts. He said the achievement reflects strong grassroots participation and effective governance at the village level.

Majhi emphasized that the recognition demonstrates how coordinated efforts at the local level can bring about transformative changes in rural development. He expressed confidence that such accomplishments will further strengthen the role of panchayats in achieving the vision of a “Developed Odisha.”

He added that Odisha’s panchayats will continue to evolve as stronger and more exemplary institutions, serving as a model for others and inspiring further progress in rural governance and sustainable development.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda