Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram district panchayat has been chosen for the Gram Swaraj Trophy for the best district panchayat in the state. Its president V K Madhu has been adjudged the best district panchayat president.The local body has been chosen for the award for recording the highest plan fund expenditure in 2017-18 and for envisaging and implementing innovative schemes.Madhu said the award was a reflection of the combined efforts made by members and staff. “This is the first time Thiruvananthapuram has won the award. It has happened because of the unified efforts by everyone. The honour goes to all. This will provide more boost for our initiatives,'' said V K Madhu.In 2017-18, the district panchayat had retained the lead in plan expenditure right from the onset and recorded 90% expenditure by the end of the fiscal. This year also, the panchayat has already crossed 60% and the authorities hope to cross 90%; however, delay in clearing bills from treasury has caused some concerns, said Madhu.It had earned plaudits for its stress on ecology and revival of farming in the district in the last two years. It had unveiled plans to implement organic farming in 1,000 acres. Projects have been prepared to convert fallow land into farms. The draft development plan envisaged 5,000 farming units comprising 20 cents. All wells in the district were recharged and all water sources have been revamped under Jala Sree scheme. Napkin vending machines, primary healthcare facilities and wash rooms are being established in selected 20 schools in the district.The milk scheme launched by the panchayat was a big hit. Officials had to consider procuring additional quantities of milk owing to the growing demand within two months of its launch. Three sales counters were opened at Vikas Bhavan, Pattom and Peroorkada in July 2017. The milk is being procured from Chettachal jersey farm. Close to 1,500 packets of milk are now being distributed under the label Green Milk. The project was launched by district panchayat in March 2017 at a cost of Rs 14 lakh.Another scheme called Patheyam, which aimed at distribution of food packets for destitute people, was another notable project launched by the local body.Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will present the award at a function to be held on State Panchayat Day celebrations in Thrissur on Tuesday.

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