Bhubaneswar, May 10 -- In a significant recognition of grassroots governance and rural development, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has announced the National Panchayat Awards 2025, with Odisha emerging as one of the top performers by securing five awards across multiple categories. The awards, which will be conferred on June 3 in New Delhi, highlight excellence in local self-governance, sustainable development, and community-driven initiatives across 17 states and Union Territories.

Odisha's performance stands out not just in terms of numbers but also in the diversity of categories.

At the grassroots level, Potalampur Gram Panchayat in Ganjam district earned recognition under the "Healthy Panchayat" theme, while Padua in Kendujhar distr...