Bhubaneswar: Odisha has delivered a strong performance in the latest Panchayat Progress Index, with multiple panchayats across districts earning top ratings and category-wise recognition for grassroots governance and rural development.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the second edition of the Panchayat Progress Index on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day for the financial year 2023-24. The report notes that 3,635 panchayats across India achieved notable progress, with 1,18,824 placed in the “performer” category.
Around 97.30% of panchayats – approximately 2,59,867 – from all states and Union Territories participated, with gradings spread across A, B, C, and D categories, according to an official statement.
Pochilima Panchayat, under the Hinjilicut block in Ganjam district, has emerged as the best overall performer in Odisha, securing an ‘A’ grade. Across Odisha, 555 panchayats fall in the top category, 4,566 in the second, 1,627 in the third, and 46 in the fourth category, reflecting a broad-based performance across regions.
Several panchayats from the state have also excelled in thematic categories. Sohpur Panchayat in the Hinjilicut block of Ganjam district has received an A+ rating for its work in poverty alleviation and in enhancing livelihood opportunities.
Raipur Panchayat under Purushottampur block in Ganjam has been recognised as a top-performing healthy panchayat with an A+ rating, driven by improvements in healthcare access, nutrition awareness, sanitation, and community participation.
Tarpur Panchayat in Raghunathpur block of Jagatsinghpur district has been named the best child-friendly panchayat. In Keonjhar district, Padua Panchayat under Champua block has secured an A+ rating as a water-sufficient panchayat. Hatibandha Panchayat in Lathikata block of Sundargarh district has been recognised as the best clean and green panchayat.
Further, Bhatkumarada Panchayat under Purushottampur block of Ganjam district has earned an A+ rating for self-reliant infrastructure. Mandar Panchayat in Polasara block of Ganjam has been rated ‘A’ for its performance in social equity and social security. Turumu Panchayat under Bhanjanagar block has been acknowledged for good governance, while Gudiapadar Panchayat in Patrapur block has been recognised as the best women-friendly panchayat.
The findings underline Odisha’s strong showing in strengthening grassroots governance and advancing inclusive rural development while contributing significantly to the national performance landscape.
