Nabarangpur: At the local Sai Kalyan Mandap, the district-level National Panchayati Raj Day 2025 event was held, which included the distribution of new ration cards, the announcement of incentives for the best Panchayats, and financial rewards for the best performing Panchayat. The ceremony was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister for School and Mass Education, Mr. Nityananda Gond, who also lighted the ceremonial lamp.
Honorable MLA of Nabarangpur, Mr. Gauri Shankar Majhi, District Collector Mr. Shubhankar Mahapatra, District Panchayat Chief Development Officer Mr. Biranchi Narayan Daroobaan, Member of Parliament Mr. Jyotiranjan Kansa, and the additional executive officer of the district, Mr. Yadumani Nayak, were also present at the event.
The focus of this year’s event was the empowerment of village-level development under the Panchayati Raj system, ensuring the participation of villagers in Gram Sabhas for the execution of development programs. The three-tier Panchayati Raj system was implemented across the country as a result of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment passed on April 24, 1992, which has transformed governance at the village, Panchayat Samiti, and district levels.
The Minister mentioned the decentralization of power in the Panchayati Raj system and highlighted the importance of involving elected representatives and ordinary people in the process. He also congratulated everyone present on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day being observed throughout India.
The government of Odisha is committed to achieving comprehensive development in rural areas through various initiatives under the Panchayati Raj system. The state government is also ensuring widespread development in the districts with a focus on the welfare of the people, especially under programs like the Ayushman Bharat health initiative, housing schemes, and the distribution of subsidized food.
The MLA of Nabarangpur also stated in his speech that the grassroots-level development begins at the village level and the state government is constantly supporting the Panchayat system for the betterment of the people. The event included the distribution of new ration cards to 12 families as part of the initiative.
In total, 10 Panchayats, including Kurajeba, Kunde, Mahond-Hatigada, Bhamani, Dangriguda, Borigan, Nakateshimuda, Chandahandi, received a total of ₹59,90,333 in incentives. The best-performing Panchayat, Dangriguda, was awarded ₹50,000. The event was attended by district officials, teachers, Anganwadi workers, SHG members, and media representatives.
The event was organized and chaired by Nabarangpur’s DDO and Kshirod Sahu.