Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Apr 6: Vandse gram panchayat (GP), which has emerged as a model village with the distinction of being a clean village through effective solid waste management, has now been recognised as a ‘healthy panchayat’ and has received a national award. The panchayat has been conferred the Deen Dayal Upadhyay award by the central government along with a cash prize of Rs 75 lac.

Vandse gram panchayat has set a milestone in waste management over the past several years. Through its SLRM unit, wet and dry waste are systematically segregated, and by finding markets for the processed products, the panchayat has been generating revenue. The efforts of former president and current member Udaykumar Shetty have helped the panchayat emerge as a rare model in the Panchayat Raj system.

The panchayat has achieved 100 percent waste collection from households continuously for the past nine years. Scientific disposal of waste with a zero-waste approach, continuous maintenance of the solid waste management unit for eight years, and the provision of free mortuary box services are among the various initiatives undertaken.

The panchayat has also made significant strides in health-related aspects. At the Vandse Primary Health Centre, priority is given to maternal care, with a higher number of normal deliveries being conducted. Vaccination is ensured for all pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, along with treatment to prevent anaemia among them. There have been no deaths of mothers or infants during pregnancy or childbirth, no cases of underweight children, and complete prevention of infectious diseases. The panchayat has facilitated distribution of Ayushman Bharat health cards and organised health camps. It has also implemented programmes such as the 100-day TB-free gram panchayat campaign and Poshan Abhiyan.

Further, a helpline and free ambulance service are provided through the Niramaya Society, and a digital health registry has been established for senior citizens and patients. In collaboration with Manipal KMC, a community palliative care centre has been set up. Monthly health and sanitation committee meetings are conducted at the gram panchayat, supported by the efficient work of ASHA workers and ANMs. Yoga training is provided in schools, and three well-equipped community toilets have been established within the village.

Vandse gram panchayat has been working across multiple dimensions with a strong focus on public welfare. With the cooperation of villagers, the PDO, gram panchayat members, and officials, the panchayat has been able to function successfully. Being recognised at the national level as a healthy gram panchayat has brought great satisfaction, said Udaykumar Shetty Adekodlu, former president of Vandse gram panchayat.