India, Sept. 28 -- While most villages depend on private shops and middlemen for daily needs, Vanjarwadi in Beed district has turned towards a model of self-reliance. Here, the gram panchayat itself runs grocery stores, salons, flour mills, and even LPG and water supply services-ensuring fair prices for residents and channelling profits back into the community.

The experiment began in 2020, when the Covid-19 lockdown cut off villagers' access to Beed town, 15 km away. "We started with a gram panchayat-run Lok Kalyan Kirana and General Store so that people wouldn't struggle for essentials. Our aim was simple: quality products at fair prices," recalled sarpanch Vaijinath Tandale.

Encouraged by the response, the panchayat expanded into oth...