Has Mitiyaj Village in Gir Somnath Changed Night Governance in Gujarat?
Synopsis
Discover how Mitiyaj village in Gir Somnath has taken a revolutionary step by operating its Gram Panchayat office at night, making governance accessible for all. This unique initiative led by Sarpanch Surpal Singh Barad is a game-changer for the rural workforce in Gujarat.
Key Takeaways
Innovative governance: Night operations allow for greater service accessibility.
Community-centric approach: Tailoring services to meet the needs of villagers.
Leadership commitment: Personal involvement of the Sarpanch enhances service quality.
Responsive governance: Small changes can make a big difference.
Setting examples: Encouraging other panchayats to follow suit.
Gir Somnath, Dec 16 (NationPress) The village of Mitiyaj in the Kodinar taluka of Gir Somnath district has become a notable topic of conversation throughout Gujarat for its groundbreaking and community-focused initiative.
In a pioneering step for the state, the Gram Panchayat office in Mitiyaj now operates during nighttime, enhancing governance accessibility for the working populace.
The initiative was spearheaded by village sarpanch Surpal Singh Barad, who decided to keep the panchayat office open from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM, much to the villagers' relief.
This decision was made considering the daily lives of villagers, the majority of whom engage in farming and daily wage labor. Their daytime commitments often made it hard to visit the panchayat office during regular hours.
In interviews with IANS, residents expressed that the night-time operations of the panchayat have significantly alleviated their challenges. The night hours enable them to complete essential official tasks without sacrificing their daytime earnings. Villagers such as Lalitbhai Vala, Jashubhai Barad, and Mayurbhai Barad have praised this initiative as a considerate step that truly addresses the needs of the rural workforce.
What makes this initiative even more significant is that Sarpanch Surpal Singh Barad is personally available at the panchayat office during the night, actively listening to villagers' concerns and ensuring their issues are resolved promptly.
Reflecting on the initiative, Sarpanch Barad stated that the goal is to foster a more inclusive and accessible governance structure.
“Since most villagers are busy making a living during the day, opening the office at night ensures that no one is excluded from receiving vital services,” he emphasized.
The gram panchayat office provides several critical services, including ration cards, Aadhaar assistance, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Ayushman cards, widow pensions, old-age pensions, and various welfare schemes from both state and central governments.
Previously, accessing these services during working hours posed a challenge for many.
With this innovative approach, the Mitiyaj Gram Panchayat has become the first in Gujarat to function at night, setting a remarkable example for other panchayats across the state.
This initiative underscores how minor but thoughtful changes at the grassroots level can lead to more responsive and people-oriented governance.
Point of View
This initiative by Mitiyaj village reflects a thoughtful approach to grassroots governance, addressing the real needs of rural communities. This model can serve as a blueprint for other areas in India, showcasing how minor adjustments in operational hours can significantly enhance public service accessibility and responsiveness.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the working hours of the Mitiyaj Gram Panchayat?
The Mitiyaj Gram Panchayat operates from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM, providing essential services to the villagers during night hours.
Who initiated the night operation of the Gram Panchayat?
The initiative was spearheaded by Sarpanch Surpal Singh Barad, aiming to make governance more accessible for working villagers.
What services can villagers access during night hours?
Villagers can access several essential services, including ration cards, Aadhaar-related work, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and various government welfare schemes.
How has this initiative benefited the villagers?
The night operation allows villagers to complete important official work without losing their daytime wages, addressing a significant challenge they faced.
What impact does this have on other panchayats in Gujarat?
Mitiyaj's night operation sets a pioneering example for other panchayats in Gujarat to consider similar initiatives for better governance accessibility.
