Guwahati, May 8 (IANS) Assam has secured three prestigious honours under the National Panchayat Awards 2025, with officials on Friday saying that the achievement reflects the growing emphasis on grassroots governance and rural development under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

According to officials, Assam received awards in different categories of the Panchayat Sustainable Development framework instituted by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

The state won the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025, carrying a cash prize of Rs 1.50 crore.

Under this category, New Nopam Gaon Panchayat in Sonitpur district was recognised as the best village panchayat for its performance in rural governance, implementation of welfare schemes and sustainable development initiatives.

Officials said the award recognises the panchayat’s efforts to improve local infrastructure, sanitation, public participation, and livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

Assam also received the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustained Vikas Puraskar 2025, carrying a cash prize of Rs 75 lakh, in the “Clean and Green Panchayat” category.

Jummurmur Gaon Panchayat in Nagaon district earned the recognition for its initiatives related to cleanliness drives, waste management, environmental protection and green development measures.

In another major achievement, Hugrijan Gaon Panchayat in Dibrugarh district was honoured in the “Self-reliant Infrastructure” category for creating sustainable rural infrastructure and strengthening local economic activities through community participation and development-oriented planning.

Officials stated that the awards are given annually to recognise exemplary performance by panchayats across the country in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through effective local governance. They said Assam’s performance in this year’s awards highlights the state government’s sustained push towards decentralised administration, rural empowerment and inclusive development.

The state government has, in recent years, focused on strengthening gram panchayats through improved financial assistance, digital governance, sanitation initiatives and infrastructure development in rural regions.

Officials added that national recognition would further encourage local governing bodies in Assam to adopt innovative, people-centric development practices. ​

–IANS

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