I am 37 years old and have passed High School. I was elected Ward Member
in the Panchayat elections after defeating two other contestants by a margin
of 31 votes. Earlier, I always used to stay at home under parental supervision,
and had no idea about how a Panchayat works.As a Panchayat representative, I have tried to provide opportunities for my
electorate under various government Schemes. I stand up to the Panchayat
President and table issues in Panchayat meetings. I inspired the village women
to start an SHg to help them become economically independent and attend
all their meetings. I advise them to attend different trainings organized by the
government. I help them organize Bihu dance competitions, make snacks
(pitha) for the local market, and organize local-handicraft exhibitions.I have instituted an Inspection Committee in the Ward to ensure efficient
implementation of all the Schemes and to see to it that the beneficiaries do
not face any problems.I facilitated the building of the Mahila Committee building, walls of a
Namghar, Kalpataru, Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) houses for - widows, repaired
roads, built drains and have also given out old age pensions and widow
pensions. I have sent more than 30 old women to visit different holy places,
under the Dharmajyoti Scheme.I participated in the Panchayat training conducted by the Block Office and
the Women’s Leadership Workshop organized by The Hunger Project-NEST
for strengthening women’s leadership. Deriving strength from the workshop,
I was able to fight the corrupt practices of a government Officer and now
even the Panchayat President and the Secretary are afraid of me.Ward Members are dependant on the President’s will to bring about changes
in the Panchayat and find it difficult to work independently. Therefore, I have
decided to contest for the post of President in the next Panchayat elections.Reema gogoi
Ward Member
Panchayat: Rajahtati
Block: Dekargara
District: Jorhat