Etching a significant milestone, Ladakh has received two prestigious Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskars from the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during the National Panchayat Awards 2024. These awards, given in several categories, recognize grassroots governance, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
This year, 27 Gram Panchayats were recognized for exceptional performance across nine thematic areas of the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDG). These included achievements in poverty alleviation, health, education, water, sanitation, infrastructure, social justice, and good governance, representing diverse states such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh.
From Leh, the awards were received by Santosh Sukhdeve, Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC; Junaid Amin, District Panchayat Officer and Lawang Tashi, Panchayat Secretary.
Junaid Amin, a young KAS Officer from Anantnag, who voluntarily opted to serve in Ladakh, is posted as District Panchayat Officer, Leh, and Assistant Labour Commissioner, Leh (additional charge) was among the one who received this Panchayat award. He has brought immense pride to the region by receiving two prestigious awards: the Clean & Green Panchayat Award for Sumoor Panchayat and the Panchayat with Good Governance Award for Khaltsi Panchayat.
The awards, carrying a cash prize of Rs 75 lacs each, along with a citation and a trophy, recognize the exceptional performance of Panchayats in promoting sustainable development and good governance. Out of 1.9 lakh Panchayats across India, only 27 were selected this year across nine themes, making this achievement a rare and remarkable milestone for the region.
“Upon my return to Ladakh with the awards, the entire Union Territory celebrated this historic achievement. A felicitation ceremony was organized by the CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, who praised the remarkable work of the award-winning Panchayats and the efforts of the Rural Development Department. The CEC said this achievement sets an example for others and will act as an inspiration to strive for more awards in the future,” Junaid told Rising Kashmir.
He further stated that the felicitation ceremony was not just a celebration but a call to action for all functionaries to continue striving for excellence. CEC and other dignitaries reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives that empower Panchayats and enhance Ladakh’s growth.
Adding to the celebrations, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Retd.) Dr. B.D. Mishra, interacted with the functionaries of the award-winning Panchayats. The LG appreciated their hard work and emphasized the importance of community-driven governance and development.
Junaid expressed his deepest gratitude to CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson for his visionary leadership, Deputy Commissioner Leh Santosh Sukhadeve for his dynamic leadership and unwavering support, and Director RDD Ladakh Syed Sajad Qadri for his constant guidance and encouragement.
“This recognition is not just mine but belongs to the entire team that worked tirelessly to make this possible,” Junaid said, adding that the contributions of Panchayat Secretaries, Sarpanchs, BDOs, and staff were instrumental in achieving this milestone.
The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar is awarded annually in nine categories: Clean and Green Village, Panchayat with Good Governance, Healthy Panchayat, Socially Secured Panchayat, Water Sufficient Panchayat, Self-Sufficient Infrastructure Panchayat, Child-Friendly Panchayat, Women-Friendly Panchayat, and Poverty-Free Panchayat. Winning two awards from such a competitive pool highlights the meticulous planning, timely execution, and exceptional teamwork under Junaid’s supervision.
