will be maintained. Accordingly, I have obtained funds for the construction
of community latrines for the women and girl children. Construction of
two sanitary campuses for women cost the Panchayat Rs. 5,50,000 and one
community toilet cost of Rs. 2 Lakhs. Provision of safe drinking water has been
made in nine villages at the cost of Rs. 45 Lakhs. The cost for the provision of
water pipes cost Rs. 5.94 Lakhs.
In addition to all this, I have implemented various development schemes for
the welfare of the community in my Panchayat. I have constructed 74 new
houses under a group Housing Scheme for Rs. 25,16,000 and repaired 48
old houses for Rs. 5,35,000; facilitated the provision of 68 new street lamps,
provided free electricity to 83 families, fitted 23 Sodium gas Lamps and
distributed 2000 colour TV sets. Under the SgRY a total of Rs. 1.65 Crore
has been spent.
I raise resources for the Panchayat through taxes under various heads such as
the collection of rent from shops built by the Panchayat, as well as income
generated from 10 acres of tea-plantation land.
I face problems mainly with of drinking water and streetlights. However, I
have almost solved these issues by giving more attention to these and spending
a good portion of the funds for the development of the same. The other elected
representatives have been very cooperative, especially the women who took
part in the WLW held by THP-Island Trust. The training told us a lot about
the Panchayat. The leadership skills I learnt at the workshop have helped me
manage all these issues.
I have dedicated my time and energy to the development of the people who,
by electing me President, placed their confidence in me. I am happy to say
these words after nearly two years of my service as President of the Panchayat:
There is no scarcity of resources in our country. There is scarcity only in the
minds and hearts of the people. Every one wants to get everything only for
themselves. If only they thought of others’ needs, we would have been a rich
country by now!