Karrabayebhaip Panchayat is located among the small hills and forests of
Rampur Baghelan block of Satna district. The Panchayat is inhabited in
hamlets, those of Kothar, Lidra, and Karriyabhaip, with a total population of
approximately 3000, of which 1200 are voters. There is only one school till
Class VIII.I am 40 years old and I belong to a Scheduled Tribe. I am not literate and
have never been to school. I live with my husband and am the mother to two
sons; the elder one has studied up to Class VIII, while the younger one left his
studies mid-way after being scolded by his schoolteacher once. My husband
and I own a pair of bullocks that we use to cultivate the land that originally
belongs to a rich farmer. We have taken the land on lease and practice share
farming. We are able to get 5 kg of grains per day through it. Due to my
honesty and hard work, I was the natural choice for Ward Member. Though
I was a bit hesitant initially, the people from the Ward convinced me to stand
for the post. I got elected unopposed.I learnt a lot during the training programs of The Hunger Project. I learnt to
monitor government Schemes and norms of implementation. The nutrition
levels of the children in my Ward were a problem. In the absence of an
Aanganwadi, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme became very important. Though
cereal and grain would be cooked for the children, green vegetables were a
rarity. When I went to check the food with the other women, I found that the
quantity was insufficient. I told the cook about the government rules and by
regularly monitoring the meals; I ensured that the cooking was as per the set
standards and that the children got their share of green vegetables.There is no Health Centre in the Panchayat, so in case of a medical emergency,
one has to go to Amaarpattan or Satna, both of which are 22 kms away from
the village. The nearest Aanganwadi is situated three kilometres away from the
Ward, so I informed the other Ward Members that as per government rules,
an Aanganwadi should be present in each Ward. I raised the issue in the gram
Sabha and filed a resolution demanding the setting up of an Aanganwadi in
my Ward. I am committed to opening a Health Centre in the Panchayat.Samni Adivasi
Ward Member
Panchayat: Karrabayebhaip
Block: Rampur Baghelan
District: Satna