As counting progresses for the Gram Panchayat elections across Gujarat, the spotlight is once again on Samras Gram Panchayats – village councils where leaders are chosen unanimously without elections. The Gujarat government has announced financial incentives of up to ₹13 lakh for villages adopting the Samras model, depending on population size and the number of times the village has opted for consensus leadership.
Financial Assistance Details for Samras Panchayats
As per a government circular issued in 2021:
- First-time Samras Panchayats:
- Villages with population up to 5,000: ₹3 lakh grant + education facilities up to Class 8.
- Villages with population between 5,000 and 25,000: ₹4.5 lakh grant + education up to Class 8.
- Second-time Samras Panchayats:
- Villages with population up to 5,000: ₹3.75 lakh + ₹2 lakh for cement-concrete (CC) roads.
- Villages with 5,000 to 25,000 people: ₹5.75 lakh + ₹2 lakh for CC roads.
- Third-time Samras Panchayats:
- Villages with population up to 5,000: ₹4.75 lakh + ₹3 lakh for development works.
- Villages with 5,000 to 25,000: ₹7 lakh + ₹3 lakh for development.
- Fourth-time Samras Panchayats:
- Villages with up to 5,000 population: ₹7.5 lakh cash + ₹3 lakh for development.
- Villages with over 25,000: ₹12 lakh cash + ₹3 lakh for development works.
- Fifth-time Samras Panchayats:
- Villages with up to 5,000: ₹8 lakh + ₹3 lakh for development.
- Villages with over 25,000: ₹13 lakh + ₹3 lakh development grant.
In some cases, MPs and MLAs also contribute additional funds to Samras Panchayats from their discretionary development budgets.
Mixed Reactions from Sarpanchs
While the government views the Samras model as a way to reduce election-related conflict and promote unity, local leaders have expressed concerns about democratic rights.
Bharat Hapani, Sarpanch of Vadera village, welcomed the concept, saying Samras Panchayats reduce political division in small villages. However, he also acknowledged that it takes away people’s right to vote, which is a matter of concern.
J.D. Khavdu, Sarpanch of Mendarada village, was more critical. Speaking to Etv Bharat, he stated that the idea of “Samras” is being misused. In many cases, influential individuals with political backing are selected unopposed, bypassing democratic processes. “It is a mockery of democracy,” he said. He further criticized the grant limit, saying ₹12–13 lakh is not sufficient even for basic development like constructing CC roads.
Alternative Perspective: Development Without Samras
Bhavna Sukhadia, Sarpanch of Devbhumi Devliya, told Etv Bharat that despite her village never becoming Samras, it has achieved urban-level development through regular elections and effective governance. Facilities like CCTV surveillance, street lighting, underground drainage, CC roads, sound systems for announcements, playgrounds, and temples have been developed using village funds and standard government assistance, not Samras-specific grants.
