RAJKOT: We are the change that we seek, said former US president Barack Obama while emphasizing on individuals to be the harbinger of change.
A similar precept was propounded by Mahatma Gandhi long ago which found resonance with this quaint little village in Gir-Somnath district, Badalpara, several decades later. To revolutionize thinking and changing its societal norms, Badalpara handed over the reins of its panchayat to the women — a bold step in a state tarnished by skewed sex ratio.
Located barely four kilometres away from the temple town Somnath, Badalpara village, which has received the Adarsh gram award for its cleanliness, carved its own change by selecting only women members for its panchayat this year. This is the sixth term of the village panchayat, with a population of 2,000, in which all the members — one Sarpanch and eight members — were elected uncontested.
This year, the seat of sarpanch was reserved for scheduled caste category and so, Kantaben Vara was appointed to the coveted seat.
“In over 70-odd years after Independence, our village has never held any gram panchayat election. This is the sixth term when all women were selected uncontested to rule the village. The villagers have reposed faith in the decisions taken by the women and have been witness to the development the women leaders have brought in after they took charge,” Rajiben Barad, a panchayat member told TOI.
Along with pakka roads and 25 CCTV cameras for security, the village has installed 12 public announcement systems too not only for recreation with bhajans and music, but for all important announcements as well. It has 100 percent toilet facility and also has a library. Sign boards have been placed near every street that contains not just the name of the street, but also its residents. Every household here has also been fitted with water connection and water meters.
Bikhu Barad, a gram panchayat supervisor, said that the water meters are a measure to ensure nobody wastes water. “We will allow 15 to 18 litres free water per person but beyond that it is chargeable which will be decided by the next panchayat body,” Barad explained.
100% addiction free!
What is considered to be its biggest achievement is that the village has rid itself of all addictions in 2004 and nobody here is allowed to consume tobacco or gutkha. Under the hawk-eyed women body, the rule is strictly followed while the panchayat imposes a fine of Rs 500 for the rule breaker. Trying to keep its surroundings green, the panchayat has also planted around 10,000 trees in the past few years.
