Keeranatham Panchayat in Coimbatore City has won the award for the ‘Best Self-Sufficient Infrastructure’ category from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, recently.
The “My Dream School” project and the effective implementation of solid waste management initiatives helped the panchayat secure the award.
Palanisamy, Panchayat president and Balaji, secretary received the award from Droupadi Murmu, Indian President in New Delhi.
The “My Dream School” project was implemented at Keeranatham Panchayat Union Middle School with funding from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. As part of the project, the school was equipped with smart classrooms, instruments for the school band, insulated water bottles for all students, and various other infrastructure upgrades.
Out of 2,68,938 panchayats across the country, Keeranatham, located in the Sarkar Samakulam block, has secured the top position in the ‘Best Self-Sufficient Infrastructure’ category.
The panchayat, with a population of 4,707 (2,339 men and 2,368 women), boasts a literacy rate of 67.62%. Additionally, it has achieved 100% source segregation of waste, ensuring no landfills within the village. This milestone was accomplished through collaboration with corporate partners and RAAC, a non-governmental organization.
Will encourage more panchayats
-Kranthi Kumar, District Collector, Coimbatore
Kranthi Kumar said, “Three panchayats from the district competed for the award under various categories this year, with Keeranatham earning recognition in the ‘Best Self-Sufficient Infrastructure’ category. Located amidst IT hubs, the panchayat reflects a blend of rural charm and urban development. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the administration and corporate partners.
Additionally, other panchayats in the district have excelled in specific areas. Notably, Pichanur panchayat had previously won a national award. Moving forward, efforts will be made to encourage more panchayats to participate in the competition in the coming years.”
