Udupi’s 5 panchayats in national focus for governance

Five of Udupi district’s 155 grama panchayats have earned national recognition for demonstrating how determined grassroots governance can transform rural communities. Ma damakki, Hakladi, Vandse, Mudradi and Sanoor have been recognised under the Deen Dayal Upadhy ay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar for 2025, bringing national attention to their work in water management, social security, healthcare, livelihoods and infrastructure. The achievement is particularly significant be cause the five panchayats have followed different development paths while working within the realities and limitations of rural administration.

Their success has been built around practical solutions, community participation and effective implementation of government programmes. Madamakki Grama Panchayat in Hebri has been recognised for water sufficiency. The panchayat has focused on creating a sustainable water supply system, providing connections to households and strengthening local water resources. More than 100 wells have been constructed, while lakes and other water sources have been rejuvenated. Meter-based, volume-based billing has helped improve the accuracy of water consumption assessment, billing and collection.

The emphasis is not merely on creating water infrastructure but ensuring that the system remains sustainable in the long term. Hakladi Grama Panchayat in Kundapur has received recognition for social justice and social security. The panchayat has concentrated on ensuring that welfare programmes reach vulnerable sections of so ciety. More than 25,000 man-days have been generated under MGN REGA, providing employ ment through rural development works. All 102 persons with disabilities in the panchayat have been provided UDID cards, helping them access government schemes and services.

Subsidies and support have also been extended to members of backward-class communities for various economic and livelihood activities. Vandse has been recognised as a Healthy Panchayat for its work in healthcare, sanitation, education and community welfare. Its partnership with the Niramaya Society has created a strong community palliative care network covering 305 people from Vandse and neighbouring panchayats. The beneficiaries in clude senior citizens, bed ridden persons, terminally ill patients and people requiring long-term support.

The panchayat has also contributed to the growth of local education, with student strength at Vandse Government School rising substantially over the years. Mudradi Grama Panchayat in Hebri has earned recognition for poverty-free and enhanced livelihoods, with women’s empowerment at the centre of its development strategy. Self help groups have been strengthened through bank linkages and loans for economic activities. Women have received support to establish businesses and develop sustainable sources of income. The panchayat has also focused on pen sion outreach and welfare delivery.

The Public Distribution System has achieved complete coverage among eligible BPL families, while door-to door delivery has helped ensure that essential benefits reach needy residents. Sanoor Grama Pan chayat in Karkala has been recognised for self sufficient infrastructure. Despite heavy monsoon rainfall and difficulties in finding land for facilities such as a Solid and Liquid Resource Management unit, the panchayat has adopted innovative solutions. Its existing gram panchayat building was renovated into a modern facility, strengthening transparent administration and improving access to public services.

Together, the five panchayats represent different dimensions of successful rural governance. Their achievements show that development is not dependent solely on large investments. Efficient systems, responsive administration, committed field staff and active community participation can pro duce results that attract national recognition. The awards also highlight the continuing responsibilities of rural institutions. Challenges such as damaged roads, elec tricity gaps, employment needs and infrastructure maintenance remain. For Udupi’s five award winning panchayats, the national recognition is therefore not an end point but an encouragement to build on their achieve ments and take develop ment deeper into every village and household.