Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as one of the top-performing states in the National Panchayat Awards 2025, securing five prestigious honours across multiple categories announced by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
The awards recognise excellence in rural governance, sustainable development, sanitation, water management, and social welfare initiatives undertaken by Panchayati Raj institutions across the country, according to an official statement.
Along with Andhra Pradesh, Odisha secured five awards, while Karnataka topped the list with six recognitions. The award distribution ceremony will be held in New Delhi on June 3, 2026.
Among Odisha’s major achievements, Ganjam district secured the second rank in the Best District Panchayat category under the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar–2025 and will receive a financial incentive of Rs 3 crore.
The district’s recognition is being seen as a major boost for Odisha’s rural governance model and decentralised development initiatives.
Several Gram Panchayats from the state earned national recognition under different thematic categories of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.
Potalampur Gram Panchayat in Chatrapur block of Ganjam district secured the third rank in the Healthy Panchayat category and will receive Rs 25 lakh.
Padua Gram Panchayat in Champua block of Kendujhar district secured the third rank in the Water-Sufficient Panchayat category with a prize amount of Rs 50 lakh.
Hatibandha Gram Panchayat in Lathikata block of Sundargarh district secured the second rank in the Clean and Green Panchayat category and will receive Rs 37.5 lakh.
Similarly, Mandar Gram Panchayat in Polosara block of Ganjam district secured the second rank in the Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat category and will receive Rs 37.5 lakh.
The National Panchayat Awards are considered among the country’s most significant recognitions for grassroots governance and rural development.
The awards are linked to the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 and evaluate Panchayats on themes aligned with the localisation of Sustainable Development Goals. These include poverty alleviation, healthcare, sanitation, women-friendly governance, infrastructure, water conservation, child welfare, and social justice.
According to the ministry, the awards are aimed at encouraging Panchayats to adopt innovative governance practices and strengthen rural development at the grassroots level.
Under NPA-2025, a total of 42 Panchayats from across India have been selected for honours. Of these, 34 Gram Panchayats from 17 states and Union Territories were recognised under thematic categories, while eight Panchayats were selected under the overall best-performing categories at district, block, and Gram Panchayat levels.
