One of the first tasks undertaken by me was to rehabilitate three men –
orphans who were mentally challenged , and who were being kept as bonded
labourers in the homes of previous Panchayat Members. I saw to it that this
practice was no longer continued and arranged for pensions for mentally
challenged persons.
I filed for and received eight OAPs, ten Widow Pensions even though this
is not an easy job as many letters, and recommendations from officials and
superiors are required. Suffice to say, acquiring these documents is a long-
winded process requiring much running back and forth. The money required
for traveling to the Block Office was spent from my own pocket. In this case,
as in several other instances, I found the Secretary unwilling to give me money
to cover such costs using the fallacious excuse that the money belonged to the
government! I also arranged for five BPL cards for individuals who needed
them, of which three belonged to the SC/ ST category.
My prime agenda has been to provide formal education to poor children.
My village has a school until Class VI. However, most parents find it too
expensive to send their children to the school in a neighbouring village to
continue their studies. Hence,one of my main goals is the sanctioning of
funds for extending the school to Middle School. In the meanwhile, the
Panchayat had received funds, which were going to be used to set up a
kitchen in the local temple, but I managed to get these funds instead for
renovating the school hall.
As my term progresses however, I find no change in the attitude of my fellow
Panchayat Members or the supporting bureaucracy. I continue to encounter
opposition to all tasks I undertake. These range from very petty to larger
issues. For example, people need letters from the President in order to apply
for employment in the nearby factories. Often the President refuses to give
these asking derisively why only ‘my’ village people should get these letters.
Sometimes, when I know I am bringing up issues and questions, which are
sure to elicit opposition, I take people from the village to sit outside the
Panchayat to back me up. Their function, more importantly, ensures that I am