Omkar Pawar Wins Gadkari Award

Nashik Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Omkar Pawar has been selected for the prestigious S. S. Gadkari Award 2025–26.

He is the only recipient from Maharashtra, chosen for his innovative initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable women and combating malnutrition among children.

Pawar's initiatives, Navchetana Abhiyan and Poshandoot, have shown significant results. Under Navchetana, data of around 1.06 lakh single, widowed, deserted, divorced and unmarried adult women was mapped and linked with government schemes for employment, education, social rehabilitation and childcare.

The Poshandoot initiative tracked 1,954 malnourished children through an officer-led monitoring system, with 984 children reaching normal nutritional status.

Notably, the initiative was implemented without any additional financial burden on the government.

The award will be presented on September 21, 2026, at 2:10 pm at the Ministry Annexe, Mumbai.

Swadheen S. Kshatriya, former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and president of the IIPA Maharashtra Regional Branch, will present the award.

The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) Maharashtra Regional Branch presents the S. S. Gadkari Award to recognize outstanding contributions to public administration.

Pawar's selection for the award is a testament to his dedication to innovative and effective public administration.

The award ceremony will be a significant event, recognizing the achievements of public administrators in Maharashtra.

The initiatives implemented by Pawar have the potential to be replicated in other parts of the state, making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable women and children.

Overall, Omkar Pawar's selection for the S. S. Gadkari Award is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts to empower vulnerable women and combat malnutrition among children in Maharashtra.