Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday felicitated State Institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), Odisha, which secured the second rank in ‘Panchayat Kshamata Nirman Sarbottam Sansthan Puraskar’ category, on National Panchayati Raj Day at Madhubani, Bihar, on Thursday.
The award honours institutions that play a pivotal role in enhancing the capacities of Panchayati Raj bodies through training, research, and institutional support for stronger local governance.
This is for the third consecutive year that Odisha has clinched the National Panchayat Award.
“This national recognition for the third time in a row is a matter of immense pride for Odisha. I sincerely thank all the PRI members, officials and the entire SIRD&PR team for their tireless efforts. It reflects our collective vision for empowered and self-reliant gram panchayats,” said Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik.
Additionally, Hatbadra gram panchayat under Kusumi block in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district was also adjudged second in ‘Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award’ category. This award honours Panchayats that lead in self-sufficiency by leveraging local resources, boosting livelihoods, and fostering sustainable, community-driven growth.
Last year, six panchayats of the state were awarded the National Panchayat Awards-2024 for driving grassroots development.
