In a grand celebration of rural leadership, Lokmat Media Group hosted the fourth Lokmat Sarpanch Awards in Mumbai. Thirteen outstanding Sarpanchs from 24 districts were honored for their efforts in transforming villages. This award highlights Lokmat’s ongoing dedication to rural development and grassroots leadership.
The event witnessed the launch of the Chief Minister’s Samruddhi Gram Yojana. Shri. Jaykumar Gore, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, announced the scheme. Villages will compete for rewards up to ₹5 crore, driving growth at various levels.
Samruddhi Gram Yojana: Boosting Rural Transformation
Shri. Jaykumar Gore emphasized the critical role of Sarpanches in Maharashtra’s rural success. The new scheme rewards progressive villages: ₹25 lakh at taluka, ₹50 lakh at district, ₹1 crore at divisional, and ₹5 crore at state levels.
Agriculture Minister Shri Manikrao Kokate acknowledged the financial challenges in rural areas. He announced ₹50 lakh for Nandurbar’s award-winning Sarpanch to build roads and schools. Shri. Yogesh Kadam, State Home Minister, appreciated the sacrifices of Sarpanches who often fund development from personal resources.
Shri. Babasaheb Patil, Co-operation Minister, praised Lokmat for uniting communities on key rural issues. He emphasized the pivotal role of Sarpanchs in village progress and recalled Maharashtra’s history of rural sanitation efforts. Shri. Rajendra Darda, Editor-in-Chief of Lokmat, called Sarpanches the future ministers of Maharashtra. He highlighted innovative projects like solar energy adoption and safety measures for girls.
Recognising Grassroots Heroes
The awards celebrated achievements in sanitation, health, water management, agriculture, and governance. Sarpanchs like Reshma Ganbhire, Sandip Pawar, and Shobha Kumbhar were among those recognized. Their work reflected the diversity of rural Maharashtra’s challenges and successes.
Lokmat Media Group reaffirmed its mission to empower rural changemakers. Through dialogue between leaders and policymakers, the event fostered collective progress.
About Lokmat Media Group
Lokmat Media Group publishes leading Marathi and English dailies and operates TV and digital platforms. Its award-winning initiatives promote social impact and cultural growth across Maharashtra.
For Advertisment & Article Conatct :+91 7321012159