Nestled in the remote tribal-dominated region of Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, Padiyaal village, popularly known as “adhikariyon ka gaon” or “village of administrators,” has gained recognition for its impressive track record in producing civil servants, engineers, and doctors. With a modest population of just over 5,000 people, this village in the Malwa region boasts more than 100 individuals serving as administrative officers across various parts of India.
The village, predominantly inhabited by the Bhil tribe, has seen remarkable educational progress over the years.
The Bhils, an ethnic community primarily residing in central India, including the districts of Dhar, Jhabua, and West Nimar in Madhya Pradesh, as well as Dhulia and Jalgaon in Maharashtra, also have a significant presence in Rajasthan.
According to the Madhya Pradesh government’s claims, the literacy rate in Padiyaal village is over 90 percent. Just two years ago, the number of administrative officers from this village was around 70, but it crossed 100 in 2024.
These administrative roles include lower court judges, Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, Indian Engineering Service officers, doctors, prosecution officers, and forest officers, among others.
The educational standards of Padiyaal are reflected in its students’ success rates. Of the seven school children, four qualified for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical colleges, while three others cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains this year.
According to the state government, on average, every household in the village has at least one member employed in a government position, totaling around 300 government employees.
The village’s focus on competitive examinations dates back to the time of India’s independence. Manoj Dubey, a long-serving Block Resources Centre official who has closely observed the village’s progress, credits this success to the emphasis on education. He noted that children begin preparing for careers in administrative services, technical fields, medicine, and engineering at an early age.
Dubey highlighted the critical role played by smart classes run by retired officers from various administrative services. “More than a dozen officers from Padiyaal village have retired and are now contributing to public service in fields like education and healthcare. Their efforts have inspired the younger generation to pursue higher education,” Dubey told IANS.
The village’s youth have not only become engineers and businessmen but have also established themselves successfully in countries such as the United States and Malaysia. The local higher secondary school, with 23 teachers, educates 702 students.
The number of administrative officers from this village has continued to rise, from 70 just two years ago to over 100 in 2024, including roles such as lower court judges, IPS officers, IAS officers, Indian Engineering Service officers, doctors, prosecution officers, and forest officers, reflecting the village’s growing reputation as a hub of excellence.
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