<span style="color: #222222;">Jammu and Kashmir UT has bagged three national awards under separate categories for outstanding contribution by its Panchayati Raj Institutions towards socio-economic development of Gram Panchayats, adopting child-friendly practices and preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plans at panchayat level. AIR Correspondent reports that the awards were given under three different categories -Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (NDRGGSP), Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) Award, Child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award by Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt of India to recognise the efforts and work done by best performing panchayats all over the country. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The awards are aimed at to strengthen the institution of Gram Sabhas highlighting it as an institution of decision making. Panchayat, Jamola Lower of District Rajouri has been awarded child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award 2020 for adopting best practices in terms of ensuring timely vaccination of children, optimum enrolment, attendance of teachers in schools, reduction of drop-out rate in schools, open defecation free status, implementation of Mid-day Meal scheme and drinking water facilities. Panchayat Dhangri of the same district has been awarded with Nanaji Deshmukh Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar for outstanding performance in improving the soci-economic fabric of the panchayat. Similarly, Panchayat Zaloora B of District Baramulla has been adjudged as best performing GP for the Gram Panchayat Development Plans awards for preparing holistic and comprehensive development plan for the panchayat. Appreciating the tireless efforts, dedication and good work carried out by the awardee Panchayats, Secretary, Rural Development Department, Sheetal Nanda, impressed upon other panchayats replicate the similar steps and adopt best practices in their respective panchayats for greater welfare of the rural masses.</span><br />