Gandhinagar: In a major step towards women empowerment and leadership development, the Gujarat government has expanded the Balika Panchayat initiative across the state, aiming to nurture leadership qualities, democratic values, and civic awareness among adolescent girls. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has emphasized that the programme will play a crucial role in shaping confident and socially aware future citizens.
Under the Balika Panchayat initiative, girl representatives are selected at the village level, where they are trained to understand the functioning of local self-governance, decision-making processes, and social responsibilities. The initiative mirrors the structure of the Gram Panchayat and provides girls with hands-on exposure to democratic practices.
The Gujarat government has rolled out the Balika Panchayat programme in over 13,000 villages across the state, making it one of the largest grassroots leadership initiatives for girls in the country. The programme is implemented with the support of government departments and partner organizations, focusing on education, health, hygiene, digital literacy, and social awareness.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that empowering girls through leadership opportunities is essential for building a progressive and inclusive society. He said initiatives like Balika Panchayat help girls develop confidence, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility from a young age.
“The Balika Panchayat will strengthen girls’ participation in social development and prepare them for leadership roles in the future,” the Chief Minister said.
Girls participating in the programme receive structured training modules, interactive sessions, and exposure visits. They discuss local issues such as education, sanitation, child welfare, environmental protection, and women’s rights, and are encouraged to propose solutions within their communities.
Officials said the initiative aligns with Gujarat’s broader vision of gender equality, rural development, and inclusive governance. By introducing democratic values at an early age, the Balika Panchayat is expected to inspire greater participation of women in public life and governance in the years to come.
The programme has been widely appreciated as a transformative step towards creating future women leaders and strengthening grassroots democracy in Gujarat.
