India's First Smart Village: Families insured, homes with Wi-Fi & RO water, schools with AC & Smart Classrooms, 100% attendance

Punsari, a village in Gujarat

Imagine a typical Indian village. Now, picture that village with free Wi-Fi available to everyone, security cameras on the streets, and not a single child dropping out of school. This isn't a scene from a movie; this is the real-life story of Punsari, a village in Gujarat that has become a shining example for the entire country.

Just a few years ago, Punsari was like many other villages, facing common challenges. But under the guidance of a determined village leader, the community came together to create a stunning transformation. Today, Punsari offers a quality of life that rivals many towns and cities.

While many villages in India still struggle for basic amenities, Punsari has not only achieved them but has gone much further. Every home in the village has a toilet, ensuring health and dignity for all families. The streets are clean, well-lit, and have a proper drainage system. There is a primary health centre to look after people's well-being.

What truly sets Punsari apart, however, is its embrace of technology.

In Punsari, technology is used to make daily life better and safer. The entire village is covered with a Wi-Fi network, allowing students, farmers, and shopkeepers to access the internet for free. For security, CCTV cameras keep a watch on public areas, making the village safer for everyone.

One of the most unique features is a public address system with speakers placed across the village. This is used to make important announcements, from weather updates to community events, ensuring that everyone stays informed.

The heart of Punsari's success lies in its focus on children's education. The village has achieved something remarkable: zero school dropouts. This means every child attends school regularly.

How did they manage this? The village schools are equipped with Wi-Fi, and students are given computer lessons. To ensure the quality of teaching is high, live footage from classroom CCTVs is monitored. The government's midday meal scheme also provides children with a nutritious lunch every day, which encourages attendance and helps them learn better.

This all-round development has created new opportunities within the village. In the past, people often moved to big cities like Mumbai or Ahmedabad in search of work. Now, that trend has reversed. The improvement in facilities and job opportunities has not only stopped people from leaving but has also attracted families back to their roots.

Punsari's incredible journey has not gone unnoticed. It has been recognised at the highest levels of the government, with officials visiting to understand its model of development. The lessons learned from Punsari are now helping to shape plans to create similar 'ideal villages' across India.

Punsari stands as living proof that with clear vision and community effort, rural India can become a hub of modern, comfortable, and prosperous living.