Women Leaders in Village Panchayats

My life story proves that illiteracy might make achieving one’s goals difficult;

but if we make proper use of our capacities and keep our resolve firm, we will

definitely succeed.

I am thirty-one year old and was born in Tijara town. My father was the

Chairperson of the Municipality. We were six brothers and sisters. The family

atmosphere was good, but I could not go to school despite my father being the

Chairperson of the Municipality as my grandfather opposed it. He thought

that educating girls was futile as they were meant to be homemakers after

marriage. Another big reason for my remaining illiterate was that my house

was at a distance of one kilometer from the town-making going to school for

a girl. Even though I aspired to study it could not happen. I could not go to

school like others. Consequently, I grew up to be non-literate.

I was married off to a trader in marriage, who was a resident of Bahror. My

father-in-law has served as the President of the village for three tenures. Thus,

even after marriage I lived in a political environment. As I was growing up, I

used to hear my father and others talking about various political issues. Since

then, I have had an interest in listening and participating in both political

debate as well as the process.

Thus, when the post of the President in my Panchayat was declared as reserved

for women, the villagers expressed their wish to have me as their candidate.

They appreciated my father-in-law’s contribution towards the development

of the village during his three tenures as President. When my father-in-law

asked, whether I was willing; at first, I refused and said that I knew nothing

about the workings of the Panchayat. Secondly, I felt that being illiterate I

would not be able to understand people. I could not arrive at a final decision

because of this fear and conflict. Finally, I consented after encouragement

from my husband.

There were 13 other women contenders in the electoral fray against me. This

was a very tense phase and I could not sleep properly. I went door to door

seeking the support and votes of the villagers. It was the first time that I had

Nirmala Devi
President
Panchayat: Bardod
Block Bahror
District Alwar