By Firstdespatch Desk Jun 03, 2026
Agartala, June 3 (FD) In a major recognition of its achievements in grassroots governance and rural development, Tripura has secured three prestigious honors at the National Panchayat Awards 2025 instituted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, bringing national acclaim to the state's Panchayati Raj institutions.
The awards, which acknowledge excellence in local governance, sustainable development, healthcare delivery, women's empowerment and inclusive administration, have placed Tripura among the top-performing states in the country in the sphere of rural self-governance.
Leading the state's achievements, the Sepahijala District Panchayat was adjudged the Best District Panchayat in India, securing the top position under the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (NDSPSVP) category. The district earned the distinction for its outstanding performance across multiple themes under the Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs), reflecting effective implementation of development programmes and people-centric governance. As part of the award, the district will receive a financial incentive of ₹5 crore.
In another notable accomplishment, Kanchanbari Gram Panchayat under Kumarghat Block in Unakoti district was ranked first in the country in the Healthy Panchayat category under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP). The Panchayat was recognized for its exemplary healthcare initiatives, public health outreach programmes and effective grassroots interventions aimed at improving the health and well-being of rural residents. It has been awarded ₹1 crore as a cash incentive. EOM
Adding to the state's success story, Baikunthapur Gram Panchayat under Hezamara Block in West Tripura district secured the third position nationally in the Women-Friendly Panchayat category under the DDUPSVP awards. The Panchayat was honoured for its significant contributions towards women's empowerment, gender-sensitive governance, social inclusion and community participation. The award carries a financial incentive of ₹50 lakh.
The triple achievement highlights Tripura's growing prominence in rural governance and reflects the effectiveness of initiatives undertaken by Panchayati Raj institutions across the state. The recognition is expected to provide fresh impetus to local bodies to further strengthen grassroots democracy, improve service delivery and accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Officials described the awards as a testament to the dedication of elected Panchayat representatives, government functionaries and local communities who have collectively contributed to transforming rural governance in the state. FD JK