The following day, the women of the village blocked the national highway
until the evening. Representatives of the District administration, not only met
them and assured their full support, but also visited the canal site. From the
next day, things started moving. Electricity and an additional water-lifting
machine were provided to the village. Water was lifted from the adjacent
river into the canal, the canal was functional, and the village was saved from
complete drought. People in the village rejoiced. On seeing this, the others
in the village came forward to support this women’s group financially. The
Lamberdar personally went to the leader of the women’s group and handed
over the money.
Scarcity of agricultural land is another major problem being faced by the
villagers. The women, in this regard, have already approached the local
Tehsildar and the Army Headquarters to get permission to use the Serthang
Plateau, located close to the village, for agricultural purposes. If they can
sustain the pressure, they might be able to get permission in the near future.
These two experiences have helped these women realize their potential, gain
self-confidence, and in understanding the importance of participating in
decision-making processes. This is quite evident when Hajia Roqiya (45) says
“It is high time that we should come forward and participate in the next
Panchayat elections and have women representatives in different bodies
including the Hill Council.” She also opines that women of Hardass need to
get formally organized as SHgs.
This group of women are enthusiastic and optimistic. They believe that they
need to continue fighting for the rights of the village in the days to come. Now
nothing seems to stop them from achieving their goal of taking the village on
the road to development.