‘Smart and model’ Chandrapurvillage to get spl service award

Chandrapur: Kalamna gram panchayat in Rajura taluka has won the coveted Priyadarshini Indira Gandhi Smruti Special Service Award for 2026 for transforming the hamlet into a ‘smart and model village' through sustained, people-centric development and effective grassroots governance.The award, instituted by Priyadarshini Indira Gandhi Smruti Pratishthan, Chandrapur, will be conferred on January 26 recognising Kalamna's comprehensive progress across civic infrastructure, sanitation, social welfare and environmental sustainability.Led by sarpanch Nandkishor Vadhai, the gram panchayat has implemented a wide range of initiatives, including improved water supply and sanitation systems, solid waste management, cement concrete roads, solar power projects, and digital services. Investments in health facilities, education, youth development, women's self-help groups and amenities for senior citizens have strengthened social inclusion, while measures such as livestock drinking water facilities, green energy use and village beautification have reinforced environmental responsibility.The village's integrated approach to development has helped create a cleaner, safer and more self-reliant rural ecosystem, earning Kalamna recognition as both a ‘smart village' and an ‘adarsh gram'.The second award has been bagged by Apulki Foundation, Rajura, in recognition of its selfless service guided by the belief that ‘serving the voiceless is true humanity'.The prize distribution ceremony will be presided over by former MP Naresh Puglia, with former minister and MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar attending as chief guest.