In a moment of immense pride for Odisha, Suakati Gram Panchayat, located in Banspal Block of Keonjhar district, has been honored with the Jury Award under the prestigious National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025. This recognition not only puts Suakati on the national map but also exemplifies the transformative power of grassroots digital governance and the potential of technology-driven rural development.
Congratulations to Suakati Gram Panchayat, Banspal Block, Keonjhar for clinching the Jury Award under National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025. A proud moment for #Odisha showcasing the power of grassroots digital governance and rural transformation. #OdishaLeads… https://t.co/pt3dRfikNh
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) September 22, 2025
A Model of Digital Empowerment at the Grassroots
The award was conferred by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, as part of its annual initiative to recognize innovative e-governance practices across the country. Suakati Gram Panchayat stood out among numerous entries for its inclusive, transparent, and citizen-centric digital governance model, which has brought tangible improvements in service delivery, grievance redressal, and community participation.
From digitizing beneficiary data to ensuring real-time updates on government schemes, Suakati has integrated digital tools at the panchayat level, making governance more efficient, accountable, and participatory. This is a particularly commendable achievement in a region known for its geographical and infrastructural challenges.
The Woman Behind the Transformation
At the heart of this success story is Smt. [Insert Name, if known], the Sarpanch of Suakati Gram Panchayat, whose visionary leadership has played a pivotal role in steering the village toward digital inclusion. In a traditionally patriarchal society, her rise to prominence and administrative effectiveness stand as a powerful testimony to women’s leadership in rural governance.
Under her leadership, the Panchayat adopted several innovative practices:
- Digital grievance redressal mechanisms that allow villagers to register complaints online and track their status.
- Real-time beneficiary mapping for schemes like PMAY, MGNREGA, and pension disbursement using mobile applications.
- Conducting regular digital literacy workshops, especially for women and marginalized communities, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital journey.
- Streamlining property and land records through geotagging and online databases, reducing corruption and disputes.
Her inclusive approach ensured that even the most remote hamlets under the Panchayat were connected to the mainstream development process. With a clear focus on transparency, accountability, and community engagement, she transformed Suakati into a digitally empowered village, worthy of national acclaim.
Impact on the Community
- The digital governance model implemented in Suakati has had far-reaching impacts:
- Timely delivery of welfare schemes and entitlements.
- Increased participation of women and youth in Gram Sabha and decision-making processes.
- Enhanced transparency in financial management at the Panchayat level.
- Reduction in manual paperwork, delays, and irregularities in governance.
Villagers now have easier access to information about government schemes, employment opportunities, health initiatives, and education services—all thanks to the digital infrastructure laid out by the Gram Panchayat.
A Beacon for Other Rural Bodies
Suakati’s success offers a replicable model for other Gram Panchayats across the country. It demonstrates that with committed leadership and strategic use of technology, even remote villages can leapfrog into the future of governance.
This recognition also underlines the growing importance of local self-governments in India’s digital transformation journey. As the country aims for Digital India at scale, initiatives like that of Suakati provide practical examples of how the bottom-up approach can drive sustainable and inclusive development.
Conclusion
The Jury Award at the National Awards for e-Governance 2025 is not just an honor for Suakati Gram Panchayat but a celebration of what rural India can achieve when empowered with the right tools and the right leadership. Odisha takes immense pride in this achievement, and the story of Suakati serves as a shining beacon for rural transformation through digital governance.