Lahaul-Spiti panchayat wins Rs 1cr national award

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh's Shansha gram panchayat in Lahaul-Spiti district has won the first prize in the ‘Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat' category at the National Panchayat Awards 2026, securing a cash award of Rs 1 crore.The panchayat was recognised for initiatives related to social security, employment generation, healthcare coverage, women's participation and inclusive governance. Its efforts included MGNREGA job card distribution, social assistance schemes, Ayushman Bharat coverage and Mahila Gram Sabhas.Meanwhile, Lohardi gram panchayat in Mandi district secured the joint third prize in the ‘Clean and Green Panchayat' category and received Rs 25 lakh. The award recognised its work in waste management, maintaining ODF status, composting, clean energy adoption and environmental conservation.The awards were presented by Union panchayati raj minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh at a function in New Delhi.