Chikhalvav, a tribal village in Vyara taluka of Tapi district in Gujarat, stands out for women’s empowerment, boasting an all-female panchayat, including the sarpanch. For the past four years, women have been at the helm of the village’s governance, education, and healthcare, collectively ensuring the effective implementation of government schemes. Rakshaben Gamit, the Sarpanch, highlighted that women lead in various departments like anganwadi and healthcare, showcasing their administrative prowess.
The village, with a population of around 1,700 predominantly engaged in farming and animal husbandry, excels in literacy and girls’ education participation. Women hold key positions in the primary school, Anganwadi center, ASHA workers, health center, and village accounting, driving the village’s progress. Recognized as a model of women-led development under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, Chikhalvav has been twice honored as a ‘Samras Gram Panchayat.’
Under the ‘Samras Gram Panchayat’ model, where consensus elects sarpanch and ward members, Chikhalvav receives additional grants and funds for development. This approach, aimed at fostering harmony in local governance, has been instrumental in promoting unity and expediting development without election disputes. Over the past two decades, more than 15,500 panchayats in Gujarat, including 828 women-led ones, have embraced this model, enhancing community engagement and emphasizing girls’ education.
The visible leadership of women in Chikhalvav has not only enhanced community participation but also influenced families to prioritize girls’ education. This initiative aligns with broader state programs like the Balika Panchayat, focusing on nurturing leadership skills among adolescent girls in numerous gram panchayats across Gujarat. Local residents view Chikhalvav as a beacon for inclusive governance and social development, offering a blueprint for other rural communities.
