Bhubaneswar, April 24: Odisha has earned national acclaim at the National Panchayat Awards 2025, securing two prestigious recognitions in newly-introduced special categories. The awards will be formally presented during the National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) celebrations on April 25 at Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat in Madhubani district, Bihar.
The Hatbadra Gram Panchayat of Mayurbhanj district has won the Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA), securing the second rank at the national level. This award celebrates Panchayats that have significantly boosted their financial independence by enhancing Own Source Revenue (OSR). Hatbadra’s focused efforts on self-reliance have positioned it among the top three Gram Panchayats in India under this category.
Additionally, the State Institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), Odisha, has also bagged the second rank in the Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP). This award acknowledges institutions that have excelled in capacity building and training for Panchayati Raj representatives, particularly aligning with the Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
Each award carries a cash prize of ₹75 lakh, a uniquely designed trophy, and a certificate of honour.
This year’s NPRD celebrations are historic, marking the first-ever presentation of Special Category National Panchayat Awards, introduced by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to spotlight key national priorities such as climate action and self-reliant local governance.
Adding to the significance, three out of the six award-winning Gram Panchayats—including Hatbadra—are led by women Sarpanches, underlining the rising role of women in grassroots leadership.
The new award categories include:
- Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA) – for Panchayats demonstrating environmental leadership
- Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA) – for financial self-reliance
- Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP) – for excellence in training and capacity building
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation and confer the awards, reinforcing the importance of strong, empowered local governance.
Leave a Reply