Gujarat’s Samras Gram Panchayats
Gujarat witnessed a unique electoral phenomenon. Out of 4,564 Gram Panchayats scheduled for elections, 761 villages bypassed voting. These villages, termed ‘Samras Panchayats’, chose leaders by consensus. This approach, encouraged by the Gujarat government, rewards villages with grants ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 13 lakh. The scheme aims to encourage harmony and reduce electoral conflicts. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel disbursed Rs 35 crore to these villages via Direct Benefit Transfer in July 2025.
Samras Gram Yojana
The Samras Gram Yojana promotes consensus-based elections in rural Gujarat. Villages agreeing on candidates without contest avoid formal polling. This saves time and reduces election-related tensions. Financial incentives are provided to encourage this practice. Grants vary by population size, from Rs 3 lakh for smaller villages to Rs 13 lakh for larger ones. The scheme has been promoted since Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister.
Case Study – Raningpara Village’s Power-Sharing Model
Raningpara in Junagadh district exemplifies the Samras model. With about 2,000 residents, the village elected all eight panchayat members without contest. The Sarpanch post was shared between two women from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. Jaya Ben Mansukhbhai Mahida served the first half-term, followed by Jagriti Ben Dineshbhai Mahida. This arrangement was agreed upon in a community meeting before nominations. It helped avoid conflicts and secured a Rs 3 lakh grant.
Women’s Leadership and Community Priorities
Jaya Ben, a homemaker turned leader, prioritises water scarcity and youth issues. Water shortages affect women most, especially during dry seasons when the Narmada pipeline supply is cut. She plans to engage officials to ensure year-round water supply. Jaya also aims to curb drug abuse and improve girls’ education. The village’s primary school is under expansion, partly funded by the Samras grant.
Agriculture and Development Challenges
Raningpara’s economy relies mainly on wheat and groundnut farming. Many villagers with small landholdings work as labourers on larger farms. Irrigation is a critical issue due to seasonal water supply disruptions. The village’s 2025-26 Action Plan allocates Rs 11 lakh in tied funds and Rs 7 lakh in untied funds, besides the Samras grant. Past consensus elections also saw OBC leadership, indicating a history of community-based governance.
Debates on Democratic Values and Sustainability
Supporters argue the Samras model reduces electoral violence and promotes unity. Critics warn it may undermine democratic participation by avoiding electoral competition. Questions remain whether monetary incentives can sustain genuine accountability. The model’s success in promoting women’s leadership and consensus is noted. However, its scalability and adherence to democratic ideals are still uncertain.
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