Rourkela: Hatibandha Gram Panchayat under Lathikata block in Odisha’s Sundargarh district has earned national recognition after securing the second prize in the “Clean and Green Panchayat” category of the National Panchayat Awards for 2023-24.
The award was conferred during a ceremony held in New Delhi under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel presented the award.
The honour was received by Hatibandha Sarpanch Bharati Mundari, Panchayat Executive Officer Jayashree Swain, and Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad, Suranjan Kumar Sahu.
Officials attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of the Lathikata block administration, district authorities, various line departments, and the guidance provided by the Sundargarh district administration.
Speaking on the occasion, Suranjan Kumar Sahu said the award reflects the district’s sustained work in strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions, promoting cleanliness, and advancing environmental conservation measures at the grassroots level.
The National Panchayat Awards are instituted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to encourage sustainable rural development and recognise outstanding performance by panchayats across the country. The awards provide national-level recognition and financial incentives to local bodies demonstrating excellence in governance and development.
The recognition has brought pride to Odisha and highlighted the role of local self-governments in driving sustainable and inclusive development in rural areas.
