Budgam’s Wagoora Panchayat Wins 3rd Rank Nationally in Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Awards 2025 | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: In a major recognition of grassroots governance, Wagoora Gram Panchayat in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir has secured the third position at the national level in the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP) 2025.

The award, instituted by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj (Ministry of Panchayati Raj), was presented under the theme “Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat,” highlighting excellence in inclusive and sustainable rural development.

The National Panchayat Awards saw participation from thousands of Gram Panchayats across all States and Union Territories, making Wagoora’s achievement notable given the extensive competition and multi-layered evaluation process based on field performance, governance indicators, and verified implementation.

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election, Javid Ahmad Dar, congratulated the Wagoora Gram Panchayat for the achievement, calling it a significant milestone for local governance in the Union Territory.

He said the recognition reflects effective ground-level planning, community participation, and data-driven governance under the PAI 2.0 framework, which has strengthened rural institutions and promoted inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister also appreciated the efforts of officials from the Rural Development Department, including the Secretary, Director Panchayati Raj, Deputy Secretary, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Budgam, and Block Development Officer BK Pora for their role in achieving the national recognition.