Haryana's TB-Free Panchayat Initiative Gains Momentum, 2,157 Gram Panchayats Eligible in 2025
Chandigarh: The Haryana government has made significant strides in its fight against tuberculosis, with 2,157 gram panchayats found eligible for TB-free certification in 2025. This figure accounts for an impressive 35% of the state's total 6,237 panchayats, marking a notable increase in the program's reach and effectiveness.
Initiative Overview and Growth Trajectory
The TB Mukt Panchayat initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World TB Day, March 24, 2023, in Varanasi. Its primary objective is to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions by enhancing their understanding of tuberculosis-related challenges, facilitating necessary actions, and fostering healthy competition among panchayats to accelerate TB elimination efforts.
Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, highlighted the program's rapid growth. In 2023, the state secured 574 certifications, all in the Bronze category, covering just 9% of total panchayats. By 2024, this number nearly tripled to 1,855 panchayats, comprising 1,542 Bronze and 313 Silver certifications, which represented 30% of the state's panchayats. The latest data for 2025 shows a further rise to 2,157 eligible panchayats, covering 35% of the total.
Certification Structure and Verification Process
The initiative employs a structured three-tier certification system to recognize and incentivize sustained efforts. Panchayats that maintain a TB-free status for the first year are eligible for Bronze certification. Those that sustain this status for two consecutive years receive Silver certification, while panchayats achieving three consecutive years of TB-free status are awarded the prestigious Gold certification.
Certificates are issued annually on World TB Day, March 24, by the deputy commissioner and are valid for one year. The verification process is rigorous, involving six key indicators that must be met for a panchayat to be declared TB-free. These claims are validated through a three-tier mechanism involving the district development and panchayati raj officer, the civil surgeon, and the deputy civil surgeon from another district, ensuring credibility and integrity in the program.
Breakdown of 2025 Certifications
Of the 2,157 panchayats eligible in 2025, the distribution across certification levels is as follows:
- Gold Status: 211 panchayats qualified, reflecting sustained success over three consecutive years.
- Silver Status: 646 panchayats achieved this level, demonstrating two years of TB-free maintenance.
- Bronze Status: 1,300 panchayats received this certification, marking their first year of TB-free status.
Dr. Misra emphasized that this growth reflects the increasing momentum of the TB Mukt Panchayat initiative at the grassroots level. The structured verification process ensures that only panchayats genuinely meeting all prescribed indicators are certified, thereby enhancing the program's effectiveness and public trust.
The initiative not only aims to reduce TB incidence but also fosters community engagement and accountability, positioning Haryana as a leader in public health efforts within the framework of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
