Women Leaders in Village Panchayats

Earlier, I would not even sit on a cot in front of anyone; now I sit on a chair

in front of people of all castes with my face unveiled. If I do not sit, they will

wonder what sort of a President I am.

I now realise the importance of my work and the post I hold. I was elected

the President of a Panchayat comprising of 7 villages, unopposed. I have

accomplished some tasks during the last three years including the construction

of houses for seven BPL families, tanks, roads under NREgS, a cemented

kitchen in the school and up-gradation of the school to the Middle level.

My unique work, which no President has done before, is in the Meghwal

and Bhil settlements. I constructed tanks for them, while past Presidents

only did that for influential people of the village and that too stealthily. I did

it all openly.

I had to face problems more than once during these three years. An ex-

President started a campaign against me regarding the site of a proposed tank.

I approached the Collector and the BDO, but to no avail. I am illiterate; so

my son helps me with reading and writing. Yet, I have enough confidence.

During the five-day training held in Barmer, we were told in writing on a

board how to make a budget and how to use Panchayat funds. We were told

if a seat is reserved for a Dalit woman, we should use the opportunity. Earlier,

I would not speak in Panchayat meetings. I was told in the training that if I

did not speak in meetings there would be no use in my having becoming the

President. Now, I feel no hesitation in public speaking.

Now, the process of articulating the thoughts in my mind has started. I have

a clear picture in my mind about how to finish the remaining Panchayat

tasks in my tenure. I have to get houses constructed for BPL families, to

procure loans for BPL families on low interest for their self-employment;

to get tanks constructed and many other things as well. The keenness for

doing something for the village has so captured my heart that I have lost my

peace. Earlier, I would sleep longer. Now I keep worrying about the tasks I

have to do. I am so conscious of my responsibility that I keep a sharp eye on

Sidhu
President
Panchayat: Panthi ka Par
Block: Barmer
District Barmer