Though I am sixty years old, I am an active President of a Panchayat comprising
5 villages. I came to know that the post of President was reserved for women
when I overheard the villagers discussing it. A thought came to my mind; I
have lived so long, let me also see what it is like to be a President. There were
two other women candidates but I won by a margin of 250 votes.Because of my age and experience, I do not hesitate when it comes to speaking
my mind and I do not wear a burqa, nor draw a veil. I was informed about
some of the duties of a President from the gram Sevak but came to know
the rest through a three-day workshop in gagaria. There are 3 women Ward
Members in my Panchayat and I invariably get their support. With the support
of the gram Sabha and Panchayat members, I have succeeded in getting 20-
25 houses constructed under the IAY, tanks, and roads constructed. Road
construction in Bitda and Pabusaria villages is in my future task list.My son helps me with reading and writing. However, I take all the decisions.
How can anyone else do my work? I am the President. Before I left the village
only to cast my vote in gagaria; but now I have to go out at least once a week.
After I became a President, I am seeing life and newer things. Earlier, I enjoyed
respect only in my home, now I am respected even outside.A woman can better represent the aspirations of people than a man can. If a
man is a President, he will keep wandering outside. When a woman becomes
a President, she also enquires about home affairs; talks to women as well as
men. A male President would talk to a woman only under the pressure of
some compulsion or necessity, while a woman enquires about the well being
of everybody. During the three years of my tenure, neither have I faced any
difficulty in getting my work done nor have I felt any fear. Why should I fear
when I have the post of the President?Nasiba
President
Panchayat: Kantal ka Par
Block: Barmer
District Barmer