Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a special festive gift for elected representatives at the gram panchayat level on the occasion of Dussehra. The state government has sanctioned Rs 56.55 crore to provide six months’ honorarium to sarpanches and naib sarpanches across Odisha.
The approved amount is Rs 56,55,72,000 and will cover the honorarium for the period from April 1 to September 30, 2026. The payment will be made retrospectively, providing financial benefits to elected representatives serving in rural local governance.
Under the approved arrangement, sarpanches will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000, while naib sarpanches will receive Rs 4,000 per month. The sanctioned amount will cover the six-month period.
Six Months’ Honorarium Approved
The allocation aims to ensure the payment of honorarium to elected representatives who play a key role in the functioning of gram panchayats. Sarpanches and naib sarpanches are responsible for addressing local issues, supporting village development initiatives and facilitating the implementation of various government welfare schemes.
Their responsibilities also include raising public grievances before the administration and participating in developmental activities at the panchayat level.
The release of the six-month honorarium is expected to benefit elected representatives working across rural Odisha.
Boost to Grassroots Governance
Sarpanches and naib sarpanches serve as important links between rural communities and the administration. They help identify local needs, coordinate development activities and ensure that government schemes reach eligible beneficiaries.
The state government’s decision to sanction the honorarium for the April–September period marks a significant step towards facilitating payments to grassroots representatives under the state’s Panchayati Raj system.
The announcement, made during the festive season, is expected to bring financial relief to elected representatives who play an important role in rural administration and development.