Berhampur, Odisha: Ganjam district has once again brought national recognition to Odisha by securing three prestigious awards for excellence in Panchayati Raj and rural development. The remarkable achievement highlights the district’s commitment to sustainable development, inclusive governance, and community-driven progress.
Among the honors received, two Gram Panchayats from Ganjam were awarded the coveted Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Awards (DDUPSDA), while the district itself earned the distinguished Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar, establishing Ganjam as one of the leading districts in rural governance across India.
This accomplishment is a matter of pride not only for Ganjam but for the entire state of Odisha. Out of the four Gram Panchayats and one District Panchayat from Odisha selected for national recognition this year, Ganjam alone secured three awards, underscoring its outstanding performance in grassroots development.
Mandar Panchayat Ranked Second Best in India
Mandar Gram Panchayat under Polsara Block was recognized as the Second Best “Socially Just and Secure Panchayat” in the country. The award reflects the panchayat’s success in promoting social welfare, inclusivity, safety, and equitable development for its residents.
Potlampur Panchayat Receives National Recognition
Similarly, Potlampur Gram Panchayat under Chhatrapur Block was honored as the Third Best “Healthy Panchayat” in India. The recognition was awarded for its significant achievements in healthcare delivery, sanitation initiatives, public health awareness, and community well-being.
Ganjam District Panchayat Emerges Among India’s Best
Adding to the district’s achievements, the Ganjam Zilla Parishad was recognized as the Second Best District Panchayat in India, a testament to the district administration’s effective implementation of development programs and sustainable governance practices.
Awards Presented in New Delhi
The awards were presented at a grand ceremony held in New Delhi by the Union Minister for Panchayati Raj. The Ganjam delegation, led by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Anjali Swain, District Collector V. Keerthivasan, Chief Development Officer Sameer Kumar Jena, APD Bijay Behera, Polsara BDO Shashibhusan Mahapatra, Chhatrapur BDO Sambit Sangramjit Sahu, Potlampur Sarpanch Niranjan Pradhan, PEO Rosalin Behera, and Mandar Sarpanch Sunita Jena, received trophies, certificates, and financial incentives on behalf of their respective institutions.
Financial Incentives for Development
As part of the awards, the Government of India granted substantial financial incentives to support future development initiatives. Ganjam district received ₹3 crore, while Mandar Gram Panchayat was awarded ₹37.50 lakh, and Potlampur Gram Panchayat received ₹25 lakh.
Collective Efforts Behind the Success
District Collector V. Keerthivasan credited the achievement to the collective efforts of elected representatives, Panchayat functionaries, government officials, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and the people of Ganjam. He emphasized that the recognition belongs to every resident of the district and will inspire all Panchayats to undertake more innovative and people-centric development initiatives in the future.
Recognition for Sustainable Development Goals
The Government of India evaluates Panchayats based on nine key parameters aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ganjam’s exceptional performance across these indicators enabled the district and its Panchayats to secure the prestigious national awards.
Strengthening Ganjam’s Legacy of Excellence
Ganjam has consistently earned recognition at the national level for its achievements in governance, rural development, public welfare, and innovation. The latest honors further strengthen the district’s reputation as a model for sustainable and inclusive development.
On the occasion, District Collector V. Keerthivasan also appealed to citizens to continue contributing towards environmental protection, elimination of single-use plastics, large-scale plantation drives, disciplined living, and advancements in education, healthcare, sports, literature, and culture. He expressed confidence that such collective efforts would help take Ganjam’s success story to national and global platforms.
Following this historic achievement, congratulatory messages and appreciation have been pouring in from various quarters for the district administration and the people of Ganjam, celebrating yet another milestone in the district’s journey of development and excellence.
