Punsari village that lies just 100 kilometers from Ahmedabad is a perfect example of village development. This village has everything, right from biometric machines, Wi-Fi, air-conditioned schools, water purifying plants and closed-circuit cameras. They spent around 16 crores and got all things done in a period of 8 years.
The man behind all this development is Himanshu Patel, 31, the young Sarpanch. Being a graduate from North Gujarat University, he won panchayat polls in the year 2006, when he was 23.
That time, the village didn’t have proper water, power or roads. The funds of Panchayat were limited but still Mr. Patel knew how to use it perfectly. Over the next 8 years, along with district administration, funds were sought from various heads, 12th Finance Commission, Backward Regional Grant Fund, District Planning Commission and Self-help groups and development of the village started.
Now, the young Sarpanch has in mind some other projects, e-rickshaws for collecting garbage and unit that produces electricity out of plastic waste. Already, Rs.52 lakhs have been sanctioned by the state government. He understands the importance of education and has kept some funds aside for a village school. The number of students in 2006 was 300 and now it has reached 600. Not only do the classrooms have air-conditioners but have projectors and computers too.
Narendra Jhala, a teacher stated that they have managed to attract more children. A student from class 7, Vidya Patel states that learning is quite fun and with audio-visual presentations, remembering the lessons become quite easier.
Interestingly, not a penny has been taken from the MLA fund and since last 8 years, just 1 lakh was obtained from the MP fund.
Mr. Patel adds that he didn’t feel the need of using MLA fund because he was already granted funds from State and Center. If that is utilized properly, wonders can be done, he believes.
Huge respect to the man who with his efforts has transformed his village.
