Udupi: Karnataka has emerged as the best-performing state in the National Panchayat Awards 2025, with six gram panchayats from the state receiving prestigious recognition at the national level. Significantly, five of the six award-winning gram panchayats are from Udupi district, underlining the district’s growing reputation as a model for effective rural governance and development.

The awards recognise excellence in local administration, infrastructure, social welfare, water management, public health, and livelihood generation among gram panchayats across India.

Karnataka rural development and panchayat raj minister Priyank Kharge congratulated the winning gram panchayats and expressed pride over Karnataka securing the highest number of awards among the 42 gram panchayats selected nationwide.

The strong performance by Udupi district has drawn attention to the success of grassroots governance initiatives and community-driven development programmes implemented in the region.

Mudradi gram panchayat wins top national honour

Among the award winners, Mudradi gram panchayat in Hebri taluk of Udupi district secured the first prize in the “Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods Panchayat” category.

The gram panchayat received a cash prize of Rs 1 crore for its achievements in improving livelihood opportunities, poverty reduction measures, and rural development initiatives.

Officials stated that the recognition reflects sustained efforts towards enhancing economic opportunities, implementing welfare schemes effectively, and improving living standards for residents in the panchayat limits.

The award is considered one of the highest recognitions in the rural governance sector and places Mudradi among the leading gram panchayats in the country.

Vandse and Madamakki receive second prizes

Vandse gram panchayat in Kundapur taluk earned the second prize in the “Healthy Panchayat” category and received a cash prize of Rs 75 lakh.

The award recognises achievements in public health initiatives, sanitation, healthcare accessibility, and community well-being programmes implemented at the grassroots level.

Madamakki gram panchayat in Hebri taluk also secured the second prize, winning recognition in the “Water Sufficient Panchayat” category. The gram panchayat received a cash prize of Rs 75 lakh for its effective water conservation, management, and sustainability measures.

The recognition highlights the increasing focus among rural local bodies on ensuring sustainable water resources and improving health-related infrastructure in villages.

Apart from Udupi district, Halanayakanahalli gram panchayat in Bengaluru Urban district also brought recognition to Karnataka by winning the second prize in the “Child-Friendly Panchayat” category. The gram panchayat received a cash award of Rs 75 lakh.

Sanoor and Hakladi secure third prizes

Sanoor gram panchayat in Karkala taluk won the third prize in the “Self-Reliant Infrastructure Panchayat” category and received a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.

The award acknowledged the gram panchayat’s efforts in developing infrastructure, improving civic amenities, and promoting self-reliance in local administration.

Hakladi gram panchayat in Kundapur taluk secured the third prize in the “Socially Just and Secure Panchayat” category. It also received a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.

The category recognises initiatives related to social justice, welfare implementation, inclusiveness, and public security measures within the gram panchayat jurisdiction.

With these achievements, Udupi district alone accounted for five out of Karnataka’s six national awards, further strengthening its reputation for strong grassroots governance and community participation.

Priyank Kharge praises local bodies

Minister Priyank Kharge praised the elected representatives, officials, and staff members of all six gram panchayats for bringing national recognition to Karnataka through dedicated service and innovative development initiatives.

He stated that the awards reflect the effectiveness of decentralised governance and the commitment of local administrations towards improving rural living standards.

The minister also noted that Karnataka’s performance in the National Panchayat Awards demonstrates the state’s continued emphasis on strengthening gram panchayat institutions and promoting sustainable rural development.

Officials said the recognition would encourage other gram panchayats across the state to adopt best practices in governance, infrastructure development, water management, and social welfare.

The achievements of the Udupi gram panchayats are expected to serve as a benchmark for rural local bodies across Karnataka and the country.