Rohtak: Architect of ‘Selfie with Daughter’ campaign rolls out tech-focused ‘Gramin Vikas Model’

Professor of Practice at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, and chairperson of the widely acclaimed ‘Selfie with Daughter’ campaign, Sunil Jaglan, has announced a transformative new initiative for rural India — the Gramin Vikas Model. Under this model, 25 villages across multiple states will be developed as pilots for self-reliant, tech-enabled and socially inclusive communities.

“The model is designed to empower women and youth, ensure transparent local governance, and support India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. We have a multidisciplinary team of experts in IT, health, education, engineering, law and social work to implement this model effectively,” said Jaglan, a former sarpanch of Bibipur village (Jind), while talking about the initiative here on Thursday.

He maintained that the model had been developed after 15 years of extensive grassroots engagement — including visits to over 10,000 villages, 2,000 gram sabhas, and 5,000 in-person and virtual meetings. “It aims to bridge the urban-rural divide by promoting a concept of “Gram Sparsh” (village connection). It builds on our earlier programmer “Bibipur Model of Women Empowerment and Village Development (2016)”, which was recognised by Rashtrapati Bhavan and adopted in over 150 villages nationwide,” claims Jaglan.

Jaglan maintained that this updated model introduces a comprehensive framework encompassing social, economic, environmental and technological dimensions. “Notable innovations include initiatives for Vitamin D villages, anaemia-free villages, drug-free panchayats, abuse-free and period-friendly villages, disability-friendly infrastructure, DigiLocker-enabled governance and women-led start-ups. The plan also includes advocacy against female foeticide and proposes the creation of entirely new, future-ready villages and cities,” he added.

“At its core, the model emphasises community participation, digital innovation, and transparency. Nyaya Panchayats will be strengthened to serve as hubs of social justice and accountability, while digital infrastructure — such as high-speed Internet, smart devices and AI-powered solutions in agriculture, telemedicine and education — will be deployed to improve quality of life,” Jaglan pointed out.

Jaglan further informed that digital literacy centres would connect rural citizens to the broader digital economy, empowering them to access essential services and economic opportunities.

“To promote gender equality, the model will transform women’s self-help groups into start-ups through financial and digital support. Campaigns promoting respectful community dialogue and monitoring systems will ensure abuse-free, inclusive and safe village environments. Special focus will be placed on ending female foeticide and celebrating the birth of girl children,” Jaglan concluded.