President Droupadi Murmu confers National Panchayat Awards 2024: Six Awards for Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s Gram Panchayats Earn National Recognition - Drives Sustainable Development

Satara’s ‘Manyachiwadi’ Becomes the Best Gram Panchayat

Mumbai, 11 December 2024: President Droupadi Murmu, conferred National Panchayat Awards 2024 in an event organised by Ministry of Panchayati Raj, at Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, today 11th December 2024. Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh and Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel also attended the award ceremony.

The event recognised 45 awardees across various categories for their outstanding contributions to sustainable and inclusive development. Key moments included the digital transfer of award funds, and a short film highlighting the innovative initiatives of the award-winning Panchayats. On the occasion a booklet ‘Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats’ was unveiled.

Maharashtra's Panchayats have made the state proud with their remarkable achievements in the National Panchayat Awards 2024 (NPA 2024). These awards, established by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, recognise and incentivise the best-performing Panchayats for their outstanding contributions to the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs). 

Maharashtra has bagged six prestigious awards across various categories, showcasing the exceptional efforts of its Gram Panchayats, Block Panchayats, and Institutions. The awards follow a pyramidical structure, with competition held at Block, District, State/UT, and National Levels The awards aim to assess and encourage Panchayats in their journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while fostering a competitive spirit among them.

Winners of National Panchayat Awards 2024 from Maharashtra have showcased excellence in rural innovation, sustainability, and community-driven initiatives.

1. Manyachiwadi: Best Gram Panchayat (Rank 1)

Manyachiwadi Gram Panchayat in Patan Block, Satara District has been awarded the Best Gram Panchayat. It has won the Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar 2024 – Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (Rank 1).

Manyachiwadi Gram Panchayat stood out for its holistic and convergent approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a population of 420, the Panchayat comprises 98 households and is led by six elected representatives (three males and three females).

This Gram Panchayat demonstrated exceptional performance across all 9 LSDG themes, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices and integrated rural development.

2. Tirora: Best Block Panchayat (Rank 3)

Tirora Block Panchayat, located in Gondia District, has been recognized with the Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar 2024 – Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (Rank 3) for its outstanding commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Panchayat has demonstrated excellence in governance, the integration of innovative development strategies, and the promotion of sustainability in rural settings, earning national acclaim for its impactful initiatives.

3. Bela: Carbon Neutral Panchayat (Rank 1)

Bela, located in Bhandara Block of Bhandara District, has been awarded the Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar 2024 - Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar (Rank 1) for its exceptional efforts in achieving carbon neutrality. With a population of 5,914 and comprising 2,027 households, the Panchayat is led by 14 elected representatives (8 males and 6 females). Bela’s innovative and sustainable practices have set a benchmark in environmental stewardship and rural governance.

Key Achievements:

Tree Plantation: Over 91,550 trees planted.

Solid Waste Management: Kitchen waste manure production and distribution of separate dustbins to households.

Carbon Reduction: Adoption of solar systems, LED lights, and other green technologies.

Community Engagement: 100% participation through awareness campaigns and public involvement.

4. Modale: Clean and Green Panchayat (Rank 3)

Modale, situated in Igatpuri Block of Nashik District, has been honoured with the Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar 2024 - Deendayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (Rank 3) for its remarkable achievements as a Clean and Green Panchayat. With a population of 1,683 and encompassing 325 households, Modale has demonstrated exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability and cleanliness, serving as an inspiration for other rural communities.

Key Achievements:

Sanitation & Hygiene: Constructed 325 toilets and installed 1,275 drainage lines.

Environmental Efforts: Planted 90,000 saplings to restore biodiversity.

Renewable Energy: Implemented solar streetlights, pumps, and biogas units.

5. Manyachiwadi: Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar (Rank 1)

Manyachiwadi, located in Patan Block, Satara District, has been awarded the Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar 2024 - Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar (Rank 1) for its exemplary efforts in achieving energy self-reliance and pioneering innovative rural development practices. With a population of 420 and comprising 98 households, this Panchayat has set a benchmark in sustainable energy solutions and stands as a model for other rural communities to emulate.

Key Achievements:

Energy Sustainability: Biogas plants in 65 households and all 35 streetlights solar-powered.

Farmer Support: 16 out of 25 farmers use solar-powered water pumps.

Recognition: Received 76 awards at State and National levels.

6. Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA): Panchayat

Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (Rank 3)

YASHADA, located in Pune, Maharashtra, has been honored with the Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar 2024 - Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar for its remarkable contributions to strengthening the capacities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and advancing the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Strategically positioned to cater to the training needs of all six administrative divisions of the state, YASHADA houses the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), an integral part of its framework since inception. SIRD is dedicated to capacity building, research, and facilitating knowledge sharing across the entire spectrum of rural development activities, playing a pivotal role in empowering PRIs and fostering sustainable rural growth.

Key Achievements:

SDG Localization: Developed a roadmap and piloted the Participatory Development Index in 30 Gram Panchayats.

Training Programs: Organised workshops and training for Panchayat representatives across India.

Strategic Collaborations: Partnered with UNICEF and other organizations for decentralized governance initiatives.

Checkout the winners of NPA 2024 their exceptional contributions here