A village in Gujarat has “unusually interesting” rules in place in a country where elections are held almost every year and political parties go all out to woo voters. The village has posted several notice boards outlining the rules and regulations that residents must follow.
Rajsamadhiyala village in Rajkot district has banned political campaigning because residents believe that allowing candidates to campaign would harm the region. According to the village Sarpanch, this rule prohibiting political parties from campaigning has been in effect since 1983.
However, because people in this country recognise the importance of elections in a democracy, voting has been made mandatory for all eligible citizens. A number of rules and regulations established by the Village Development Committee (VDC) are binding on Rajsamadhiyala residents, and violating any of them results in a monetary penalty, one of which is not voting during elections.
According to the village Sarpanch, those who deliberately do not vote face a Rs 51 fine. According to reports, the village has nearly every modern convenience, making life easier for residents. WiFi internet access, CCTV cameras, a RO plant for clean water, a top district-level cricket ground, and other amenities are available in the village.
Because the majority of disputes are resolved through Lok Adalats in this village, the village also prohibits a wide range of activities, including littering, spitting, damaging government property, and even prohibiting young people from sitting idle and loitering in the area.
This plastic-free village is also regarded as a national model. The village has also received several awards, including a felicitation from India’s President.