Gandhinagar: Two villages from Gujarat’s Patan district, Ilampur and Chadasana, have been declared Samaras Gram Panchayats for the fifth consecutive term, underscoring their long-standing commitment to consensus-based rural governance. Each village has also earned the distinction of being recognised as a Mahila Samaras Gram Panchayat, reflecting women-led democratic leadership at the grassroots level.
In recognition of this rare achievement, the Gujarat government has sanctioned ₹8.50 lakh in development grants for each village under the Samaras Gram Panchayat Yojana.
Samaras Gram Panchayat Yojana: A Vision for Peaceful, Participative Rural Governance
The Samaras Gram Panchayat Yojana, launched in 2001 by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, aims to promote social harmony and participative governance by encouraging villages to elect their Panchayat representatives unopposed. The model not only reduces election-related expenses but also fosters a collaborative, conflict-free environment essential for development.
Today, the initiative is being actively strengthened under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel, and continues to yield impactful results across Gujarat’s rural landscape.
Ilampur: A First-Time Mahila Samaras Gram Panchayat with a Longstanding Samaras Legacy
With a population of over 1,100, Ilampur has never witnessed Panchayat elections since independence. The village has upheld the Samaras spirit for five terms and, for the first time, has been recognised as a Mahila Samaras Gram Panchayat.
The Gram Panchayat is now entirely led by women, including Sarpanch Ms Kesarben Mangaji Thakor (35) and eight other elected female members, aged between 32 and 68.
“This achievement is a result of unity and trust in women’s leadership. With the grant we receive, our priority is to bring tangible development to our village,” said Ms Kesarben.
The grant will support key infrastructure, sanitation, education, and welfare initiatives planned by the Panchayat.
Chadasana: Fifth Term as Samaras, Second Term as Mahila Samaras Panchayat
Chadasana village, with a population of 547, has also earned the Samaras status for the fifth time and the Mahila Samaras title for the second time. Led by Smt. Desai Amathiben Dineshbhai (56) and eight other women, the Panchayat reflects an inclusive spirit rooted in community unity and peaceful coexistence.
“Our village thrives on harmony. With no elections, we avoid division and focus solely on development. The government grant will help us continue this journey,” said the Sarpanch.
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Patan Among Top 5 in Mahila Samaras Panchayats
Gujarat now boasts 56 Mahila Samaras Gram Panchayats following the recent elections. Among the top five districts, Mehsana leads with 9, followed by Patan (7), Bhavnagar (6), Banaskantha (6), and Vadodara (4).
The growth in women-led Panchayats is a strong indicator of Gujarat’s commitment to gender-inclusive rural governance and empowering women in decision-making roles.
Development Grants to Be Allocated on July 4
On July 4, 2025, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel will felicitate Panchayats and distribute development grants to all 56 Mahila Samaras Gram Panchayats at a ceremonial event in Gandhinagar. These funds will directly support infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood initiatives across the villages.
The event is a reaffirmation of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, where empowered villages lay the foundation for national progress.
