AMARAVATI, May 10: Andhra Pradesh has secured second place nationally in two prestigious Union government awards recognising excellence in rural development, BJP State President PVN Madhav announced on Sunday, describing the achievement as a matter of pride for every resident of the State.

The awards — the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satatva Vikas Puraskar–2025 and the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satatva Puraskar–2025 — are conferred by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj to honour outstanding contributions to sustainable village development, sanitation, and the realisation of Gram Swaraj ideals.

Mr. Madhav attributed the recognition to the sustained efforts of the NDA alliance government in the State, saying it vindicated the administration's commitment to strengthening the Panchayati Raj system at the grassroots level. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for charting a new course in rural development across the country.

The BJP State president extended his congratulations to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his visionary stewardship of the State's development agenda, and to Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for his effective management of the Panchayati Raj portfolio.

Special felicitations were conveyed to the sarpanches, elected representatives, administrative officials, and residents of the four gram panchayats that earned the awards — Shringavaram, Bokkasampalem, Chemullappalli, and Gundamala. Mr. Madhav expressed hope that the State would continue to advance further in achieving the goals of rural development, sanitation, and sustainable growth.

"This national recognition is a testament to what the NDA government has been able to accomplish in a short span of time by keeping villages and their people at the centre of governance," he said.