Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Dec 12: Udupi zilla panchayat has achieved an exceptional milestone by being recognized as the 3rd best district panchayat in the country under the prestigious ‘Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat’ award. This honour reflects its exemplary efforts in implementing education, economic empowerment, and government schemes at the grassroots level.

The panchayat has excelled in resource optimization, achieving over 90% tax collection and introducing online tax payment systems. It has set a national benchmark in waste management by establishing Material Recovery Facility (MRF) units in rural areas.

In the field of education, the Panchayat has introduced online coaching for NEET and CET exams for school and college students, contributing to Udupi's top performance in SSLC and PUC results at the state level.

Additionally, initiatives like cultivating barren lands under the Sanjeevini self-help groups, fostering rural economic development, and implementing eco-friendly programs have significantly improved the standard of living for the district's population.

The award was presented by the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, to Pratheek Bayal, CEO of Udupi zilla panchayat, and Srinivas Rao, project director. The recognition also includes a grant of Rs 2 crore.