Ganjam Zilla Parishad & Hinjilicut Block Top In National Panchayat Awards

Bhubaneswar: Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are mandated for functioning as effective and efficient Institutions for Local Self Governance in Rural areas. They also play a significant role in the effective implementation of flagship schemes.

Further, in the context of the commitment of the Country to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 in view of the key development challenges 3 tier PRIs play an important role. Despite constraints and limitations, there are many outstanding performers among PRIs all over the country.

In order to recognize the good work being done by Panchayati Raj Institutions as well as to encourage them to perform better, an Award scheme has been instituted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India.

Under this scheme,  ‘National  Panchayat Awards’ are given to the best performing Panchayats (Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samities and Gram Panchayat) in recognition of their good work for improving the delivery of services and public goods under various priority sectors focusing on nine identified themes under Localization of SDGs (LSDGs) for achieving the SDG goals by 2030. Participation by all the PRIs was mandatory this year.

These Nine Localization of Sustainable Development Goals themes are as follows-  Poverty free and enhanced livelihoods, Healthy, Child Friendly, Water Sufficient, Clean and Green Panchayat, Self-sufficient infrastructure, Socially Secured, good governance, and Women-friendly. In addition, Special Category Awards for Carbon Neutral and Gram Urja Swaraj Puraskaar (for panchayats) were also instituted.

After a detailed evaluation based on 113 parameters under 9 themes of LSDGs as well as field verification, the awards were finalized.

It is a moment of pride for Odisha that Ganjam Zilla Parishad as well as Hinjlikatu Block scored 1^st rank in the country on the basis of the performance of respective Gram Panchayats of the district and the performance of all the Gram Panchayats of the block.

Both were awarded under the category Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikash Puraskar.In addition, 6 other GPs have also received National Awards under various themes.

In all, Odisha received 8 awards under National Panchayat Awards 2022 which is amongst the highest for a state.

These awards also carry handsome cash prizes and accordingly Ganjam will receive Rs 5.0 Cr. and Hinjlikatu block will receive Rs. 2.0 Cr. GPs will also receive Rs 50-75 lakhs cash prizes.

These awards will be presented by the President of India on 17^th April at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

SIRD & PR, a training institution under PR & DW Department played an important role in training the Field staff in filling up the questionnaire for the award which contained 113 parameters under 9 themes of LSDGs.

Besides that, by continuous follow-up with the district administration and handholding support by visiting the Blocks and Gram Panchayats of different districts, SIRD&PR ensured 100% participation with the timely entry of required information of the Gram Panchayat in the NPA Portal before the date line fixed by MoPR, GoI.

List of awards with award money

The National Panchayat Award Scheme to incentivize PRIs based on their exemplary performance in nine thematic areas ofLSDGs will supplement and accelerate progress towards achieving LSDG targets for the creation of self-reliant Panchayats.