New Delhi, December 11, 2024: Hardibhatta Gram Panchayat from Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh, has achieved a significant milestone at the national level by receiving the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Award 2024. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the National Panchayat Awards 2024 ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Hardibhatta’s sarpanch, Munen Kumar, accepted the prestigious award on behalf of the gram panchayat.

Recognizing Excellence in Panchayati Raj

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj annually confers these awards to encourage healthy competition among panchayats across various categories. This year, awards were distributed to 45 panchayats and institutions from 15 states. Hardibhatta Gram Panchayat was among the 27 panchayats that received the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Award.

The awards are given under nine thematic categories, including:

Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihood Panchayat

Healthy Panchayat

Child-Friendly Panchayat

Water-Sufficient Panchayat

Clean and Green Panchayat

Self-Reliant Infrastructure Panchayat

Socially Just and Protected Panchayat

Good Governance Panchayat

Women-Friendly Panchayat

Hardibhatta Gram Panchayat was recognized under the Socially Just and Protected Panchayat category and was awarded a cash prize of ₹50 lakh.

A Step Towards Sustainable Development

The award underscores the exemplary efforts of Hardibhatta Gram Panchayat in fostering social justice and protection. It reflects the commitment of panchayats in Chhattisgarh towards achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for rural communities.

This recognition sets an inspiring example for other panchayats across the country to prioritize inclusivity, good governance, and sustainable practices.