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Divyansh M Bhardwaj: Best Sarpanch in Rajasthan
Why in News?
In a recognition of his innovative leadership and community initiatives, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma awarded Divyansh M Bhardwaj, Sarpanch of Awan Panchayat in Tonk district, the title of Best Sarpanch in Rajasthan during the state-level Independence Day celebrations at Mehrangarh Fort.
- Divyansh is the only awardee among 11,341 panchayats across 41 districts.
Key Points
- Building Supporting Infrastructure: Under Divyansh’s leadership, Awan Panchayat has witnessed transformative projects, including:
- Separate air-conditioned libraries with internet access for boys and girls.
- Construction of two cremation grounds and a heritage panchayat building.
- Development of a marriage garden with a banquet hall and a ghat with a dressing room at Rajkaleshwar Teerth.
- Capacity Building: An MBA graduate from Switzerland, Divyansh has implemented several progressive initiatives, such as:
- Sponsoring air travel for students for educational purposes.
- Appointing a girl student as Sarpanch on Balika Divas, promoting women’s leadership.
- Role Model: Divyansh’s projects have set Awan as a model of excellence, with the Awan Panchayat model being considered for replication in Maharashtra.
National Panchayat Awards 2025: The 2025 National Panchayat Awards were presented by the Prime Minister on National Panchayati Raj Day (24th April) in Madhubani, Bihar to recognise top-performing Panchayats aligned with the 9 Local Development Goals (LSDGs) covering all 17 SDGs.
- Special Categories of National Panchayat Awards:
- Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA): For climate-responsive Panchayats.
- Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA): For promoting self-reliance via Own Source Revenue (OSR).
- Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP): For excellence in capacity building and training of Panchayati Raj representatives.