Udupi: Five of Udupi district’s 155 grama panchayats have earned National Panchayat Awards, securing recognition for grassroots development despite working with limited resources. Madamakki, Hakladi, Vandse, Mudradi and Sanoor were honoured for achievements in water management, social security, healthcare, women’s empowerment and infrastructure.

Madamakki shows how water management can work

Madamakki Grama Panchayat in Hebri taluk has emerged as a model for water sufficiency, supplying piped water to more than 800 households through nine borewells and three public wells.

Water meters have been installed in all households, monthly charges are collected through ‘Nal-Jal Mitras’ and water quality is tested regularly. More than 100 wells and 50 check dams have also been constructed under MGNREGS, while rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge have received attention.

However, some households still lack electricity connections, while unpaved roads create difficulties during the monsoon.

Hakladi strengthens social security

Hakladi Grama Panchayat in Kundapur taluk has achieved 100 per cent coverage of eligible beneficiaries under pension schemes. A total of 1,320 beneficiaries receive monthly pensions, while 102 persons with disabilities have received UDID cards.

Rations and pensions are delivered to 12 bedridden patients at home, while 4,800 Ayushman Bharat cards have been distributed.

Despite these achievements, residents have raised concerns about the severely damaged road outside the panchayat office.

Vandse puts health and education first

Vandse has been recognised for healthcare, particularly its community palliative care services in collaboration with the Niramaya Society. A total of 305 people from Vandse and six surrounding panchayats receive care.

The panchayat has also seen a major rise in school enrolment, with students at Vandse Government School increasing from 89 in 2015 to 334.

Mudradi empowers women

Mudradi has focused on poverty reduction and women’s self-reliance. Around 650 women are part of 65 self-help groups, with bank linkage provided to all members.

Loans worth Rs 1 crore have supported small businesses, including pickle-making, chicken rotti preparation, beekeeping and beauty parlours.

Sanoor builds self-reliance

Sanoor Grama Panchayat in Karkala taluk has demonstrated innovative infrastructure planning despite heavy monsoon rainfall and land constraints.

The five panchayats are among six Karnataka panchayats recognised under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP) for 2025.