In a major move to promote excellence in grassroots governance, the Odisha Government has announced the much-awaited State Panchayati Raj Awards, with a substantial prize pool of Rs 4 crore.
Minister of Panchayati Raj, Rabi Narayan Naik, made the official declaration in Bhubaneswar, detailing that the awards will be distributed across three administrative tiers — Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad — to recognise outstanding contributions in rural development.
The initiative not only aims to incentivise innovation and performance among local bodies but also strengthens Odisha’s push toward decentralised governance. With the BJP-backed minister leading the charge, expectations are high for impactful recognition that furthers the state’s socio-economic objectives.
The announcement has stirred interest across districts, where local leaders and representatives now eye the coveted title. More details about eligibility and evaluation criteria are awaited from the department.
