I live in Kuttum village, which is 52 kilometers away from the District
headquarters of Changlang. There is no road to the village and the only way
to reach Kuttum is by a kuccha (unleavened) path.I have only studied up to the Primary level and was married at 14, though I
have to admit that it was a love marriage. The people in the village nominated
me as Ward Member and encouraged me to accept the position as they felt
that with my experience in social activities I would be able to do justice
to the post, and do some good work for the village. I have always been an
active member of the community and am still involved in several community
welfare groups. At first, I had no idea about my functions, role, and duty as a
Panchayat representative or as a leader. However, after attending the Women’s
Leadership Workshop conducted by The Hunger Project, I now feel I am
well versed in these matters. In addition, I now feel more confident and am
filled with determination to serve my village and its people, who have placed
so much trust in me. I have noticed that people have started looking up to
me to help them avail government assistance. However, at the same time I
feel that the help the government is providing to the rural poor, at present, is
meager and simply not enough. In addition, I feel that there is very little that
women representatives elected to village Panchayats can do in the face of the
non-devolution of power by the State government.Khekap Longku
Ward Member
Panchayat: Kuttum
Block: Miao
District: Changlang