AP wins all three National Panchayat Awards 2026

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has earned national recognition in grassroots governance by winning all three Special Category Awards announced under the National Panchayat Awards 2026 by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj.The State secured top honours in climate action, institutional capacity building and self-reliant village governance, bringing pride to Andhra Pradesh’s Panchayat Raj system. Along with the awards, the State also received financial incentives totalling Rs 2.75 crore to strengthen rural development initiatives and improve service delivery in local bodies.Kandulavari Palle Gram Panchayat in Chandragiri mandal of Chittoor district secured the first prize in the prestigious “Climate Action Special Panchayat Award” category and received Rs 1 crore for its outstanding environmental and sustainability initiatives.In another major achievement, the District Panchayat Resource Centre in Chittoor district won the first prize under the “Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar” category, also receiving Rs 1 crore for excellence in strengthening Panchayat Raj institutions and capacity building.Kanipakam Gram Panchayat in Irala mandal of Chittoor district secured the second prize in the “Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award” category and received Rs 75 lakh for promoting self-reliant village development.Officials said the awards reflect Andhra Pradesh’s growing focus on strengthening village-level governance, sustainable development and institutional efficiency. The financial support received through the awards is expected to help Panchayat Raj institutions expand development programmes, improve governance standards and deliver better services to rural communities across the State.