Gujarat Govt names 16 villages smart, fostering rural development

In a landmark decision aimed at bolstering rural development initiatives, it was announced by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel that 16 villages across Gujarat have been designated as smart villages. This transformative step, undertaken as part of the Smart Village Incentive Scheme, underscores the government's commitment to harnessing technology and innovation to uplift rural communities.

Under the purview of this scheme, six villages in Rajkot district, five in Junagadh, and one each in Jamnagar, Botad, and Navsari districts have been identified for their potential to thrive as smart villages. These carefully selected villages were stated to serve as models of sustainable development, integrating modern amenities while preserving the essence of rural life.

To facilitate the holistic development of these smart villages, it was announced that each Gram Panchayat would receive a substantial award amount of five lakh rupees. It was mentioned that this financial incentive is poised to catalyze local initiatives and empower communities to spearhead their own development projects.

The concept of 'Rurban-ATMA Village Facilitation City', endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was emphasised, which emphasizes the transformation of villages into self-sustaining hubs with urban-like conveniences. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's proactive approach in expanding the Smart Village Incentive Scheme was said to align seamlessly with this overarching vision, ensuring that rural Gujarat thrives in tandem with its urban counterparts.

The Smart Village Scheme, crafted under the Chief Minister's stewardship, was explained to adhere to stringent selection criteria aimed at identifying villages with the greatest potential for holistic development. It was noted that these criteria prioritize access to advanced technology, provision of essential infrastructure, and enhancement of socio-economic well-being.