TNR News Network
Shimla: Two panchayats from Himachal Pradesh—Thanadhar Panchayat in Shimla district and Sikandar Panchayat in Hamirpur district—have brought pride to the state by earning prestigious national awards for their outstanding work in social development and water conservation.
Thanadhar Panchayat’s Achievement
Thanadhar Panchayat secured the second position in the “Socially Secured Village” category at the national level, earning a reward of ₹75 lakh. In addition, it received the Nanaji Deshmukh Best Panchayat Award, fetching another ₹50 lakh. The total prize money awarded to the panchayat amounted to ₹1.25 crore.
Panchayat Pradhan Sandeep shared that they received this honor at a ceremony in Delhi. He emphasized that their efforts in promoting security, inclusiveness, and community development have made Thanadhar a role model for others. He added, “Our goal is to work harder next year and secure the first position at the national level.”
Sikandar Panchayat’s Achievement
Sikandar Panchayat, located in the Bamsan block of Hamirpur district, was recognized for its exceptional work in water conservation. The panchayat earned the second position in the “Water Sufficient Panchayat” category and was honored with a national award.
By implementing effective measures to preserve local water resources and promote their sustainable use, Sikandar Panchayat has successfully addressed the challenge of water scarcity while protecting the environment.
Praise from Panchayati Raj Minister
The heads of both panchayats met Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh at the Shimla Secretariat. Congratulating them, the minister remarked, “These achievements have brought immense pride to Himachal Pradesh. I am confident that their success will inspire other panchayats to undertake similar initiatives for social and environmental development.”
He further highlighted that this recognition reflects the commendable efforts of the Panchayati Raj Department and encouraged both panchayats to continue striving for greater accomplishments.
A Source of Inspiration
The success of Thanadhar and Sikandar Panchayats sets a remarkable example for others across the state. Their achievements demonstrate how dedicated leadership and community participation can drive significant progress and earn recognition at the national level.
These awards not only bring honor to Himachal Pradesh but also serve as an inspiration for panchayats across the country to prioritize social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The efforts of these panchayats are a testament to the fact that focused, local initiatives can lead to transformative change.
