Four village panchayats in Andhra Pradesh have been honored with prestigious national awards for their remarkable achievements in various fields. These awards, recognizing their hard work during the 2022-23 period, celebrate their dedication to improving their communities.
Nyayampudi village in Anakapalli district was recognized in the 'Satisfactory Drinking Water' category, while Bommasamudram village in Chittoor district received the 'Healthy Village' award. Muppalla village in NTR district won the 'Social Security' award, and Thagarampudi village in Anakapalli district was recognized for being the 'Green and Clean Village.'
The awards will be presented on December 11 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, where the sarpanches (village heads) of the winning villages will receive a memento and a cash prize of Rs. 1 crore each from President Droupadi Murmu.
Muppala village, located in NTR district, is famous for its local deity, Muppalamma Thalli, and is now also known for its achievements in social welfare. The village was honored for its efforts to promote social justice and security. To be considered for the award, the village underwent scrutiny by the state government before qualifying for the national recognition.
Muppala's Village Secretary, M. Sairam, shared that the village's success stemmed from improvements in infrastructure such as roads, sanitation, and bus services. Regular checks ensured the smooth implementation of government schemes, with a special focus on mid-day meals for children and the regular meetings of women’s self-help groups. Awareness campaigns to reduce gender-based discrimination, especially in schools and among older residents, were also a key part of their success.
Bommasamudram village, in Chittoor district, was awarded the 'Healthy Village' title. The village is proud of its efforts to maintain zero cases of dengue and ensure 100% institutional maternity deliveries. The local administration has organized door-to-door health surveys and camps to keep the community healthy. Village Secretary Y. Mounica explained that, despite lacking a medical center, the village converted the panchayat office into a wellness center, making health services more accessible to residents.
Nyayampudi village, also in Anakapalli district, won recognition for being a ‘Water Sufficient Panchayat.’ Thagarampudi village, from the same district, earned the title of ‘Clean and Green Panchayat.’
The national recognition for these villages highlights the ongoing efforts in rural India to improve living conditions and foster community well-being. The awards, including a cash prize of Rs. 1 crore, will be formally presented by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi.
Last Year's Recoginition: Six Tamil Nadu Villages Honored with Model Village Awards for Sanitation ExcellenceÂ
In 2023, six village panchayats in Tamil Nadu were recognized for their outstanding efforts in sanitation, receiving the prestigious Model Village Awards. These awards, presented for their exceptional sanitation practices, included a shield and a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh for each village.
The awards for the year 2022-2023 were presented by the Chief Minister to three exemplary villages. Nayakkanpalayam, located in the Pollachi (South) union of Coimbatore, Melmaruvathur in the Chithamur union of Chengalpattu, and Ariyanendhal in the Paramakudi union of Ramanathapuram district were celebrated for their commitment to maintaining cleanliness and improving sanitation within their communities.
These villages have become models for other regions in the state, setting a high standard for public health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. The Chief Minister presented the shields to the village representatives, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to fostering a clean and healthy living environment.
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