New Delhi: Telangana bagged 13 awards in the National Panchayat Awards 2023 (appraisal year 2021-22) in different categories, backed on effective implementation of Palle Pragathi programme, a brainchild of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao.

Under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Panchyat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP), Telangana got eight awards. The state leads the chart in the top ten states. In Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (NDSPSVP), the State bagged five awards.

Industries Minister KT Rama Rao, while crediting the efforts of the Chief Minister said that the state has won as best performer in National Panchayat Awards. Best Gram Panchayats, highest rise in per capita income, 100 per cent ODF villages as per Union government.

 He gave the credit to the Chief Minister and his brainchild ‘Palle Pragathi’ programme, which has uplifted the condition of the villages. He also complimented Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister E Dayakar Rao and his team for the achievement.

The Government of Telangana launched the Palle Pragathi programme to improve the quality of life in the rural areas, sanitation and greenery. To monitor the activities and works under Palle Pragathi programme, the Government has constituted 50 Flying Squads (FSO) consisting of senior officers of the state government.

Finance Minister T Harish Rao said under the leadership of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao there has been special focus on development of rural areas for inclusive growth.

Three Gram Panchayats selected from each of the nine themes, Telangana has secured top position in four categories. The awards would be presented in New Delhi on April 24 – the National Panchayat Raj Diwas.

Unlike last year, the Union Panchayat Raj Ministry had revised the rules and nine different themes were framed for winning the awards. Telangana secured eight awards in eight themes, showcasing the rural development in the State. /BI/