Udupi: Five gram panchayats from Udupi district have earned national recognition after being selected for the prestigious Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Awards instituted by the Central Government. Out of six gram panchayats from Karnataka chosen under various award categories this year, five belong to Udupi district, highlighting the region’s achievements in rural governance, sustainable development and public welfare initiatives.
The awards were presented by Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh in the presence of other dignitaries, ministers and senior officials.
Udupi dominates Karnataka’s award list
The award-winning gram panchayats from Udupi district include Mudradi and Madamakki in Hebri taluk, Vandse and Hakladi in Kundapur taluk, and Sanoor in Karkala taluk. The only other gram panchayat from Karnataka selected for the awards was Halanayakanahalli in Bengaluru.
The recognition reflects the efforts of local self-government institutions in implementing development programmes, improving public services and achieving sustainable development goals at the grassroots level.
Officials described the achievement as a significant milestone for Udupi district, which has consistently been recognised for its effective panchayat administration and community-driven development initiatives.
Mudradi wins ₹1 crore award
Mudradi Gram Panchayat in Hebri taluk was selected for the Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihood Panchayat Award, one of the most significant categories under the national awards programme.
The gram panchayat received a cash prize of ₹1 crore in recognition of its initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, reducing poverty and strengthening economic opportunities for rural residents.
The award was received by PDO Subhash Kharvi, former PDO Sadashiva Sheregar, Udupi Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Vijaya and Belve Gram Panchayat Secretary Amrutha Kulal.
The achievement is expected to further encourage local development projects focused on economic empowerment and social welfare.
Madamakki and Vandse receive ₹75 lakh awards
Madamakki Gram Panchayat was honoured with the Sustainable Drinking Water Scheme Award and received a cash prize of ₹75 lakh.
The award recognises successful efforts in ensuring sustainable and reliable drinking water supply to residents. The award was received by Kota Srinivas Poojary, Hebri Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Prashanth Rao and Gram Panchayat PDO Ritesh Puthran.
Meanwhile, Vandse Gram Panchayat secured the Health Services Award, also carrying a cash prize of ₹75 lakh.
The award acknowledges excellence in healthcare delivery and public health initiatives at the village level. It was received by Udupi Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Prateek Boyal, Gram Panchayat PDO Poornima and Aluru PDO Roopa Gopi.
Hakladi and Sanoor recognised for development initiatives
Hakladi Gram Panchayat in Kundapur taluk was selected for the Social Justice and Social Security Panchayat Award and received a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.
The award honours efforts aimed at promoting social inclusion, welfare programmes and protection of vulnerable sections of society.
The award was received by Kundapur Taluk Planning Officer Satish Vaddarse, Byndoor Taluk Planning Officer Suresh and Gram Panchayat PDO Chandra Billava.
Sanoor Gram Panchayat in Karkala taluk was recognised under the Infrastructure Development Award category and also received a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.
The award was accepted by Udupi Zilla Panchayat Planning Officer Udaya Kumar Shetty, Chief Accounts Officer Nishchith Hegde, SDG Planning Officer Anil Shetty, Kaup Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Vijay and Gram Panchayat PDO Vishwanath.
Recognition for grassroots governance
The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Awards are among the country’s most prestigious recognitions for rural local bodies and are aimed at encouraging gram panchayats to implement innovative and sustainable development initiatives.
The awards assess panchayats across multiple parameters, including poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, healthcare, water management, social justice and public service delivery.
The remarkable performance of Udupi district, with five gram panchayats securing national honours, underscores the district’s commitment to effective local governance and sustainable rural development.
Officials expressed confidence that the recognition would inspire other gram panchayats to adopt best practices and accelerate development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in rural communities.