I hail from Pheh, a small village in Leh District, Ladakh. In 2002, my village
nominated me as Chairperson of the Panchayat Adalat. Being an educated
woman, I always knew I wanted to work for the people. Once nominated
from Pheh, I was taken to Spitu, the Panchayat headquarters. A meeting was
held with representatives of the Block administration and I eventually became
the Chairperson. This was the first time a woman had risen to such a post and
though reluctant at first, I had gained strength from my education and the
support of my family and the people around me.The Panchayat Adalat is the legal wing of the gram Panchayat and has seven
members in Pheh, of which I am the only woman. Not a single case has
come up for hearing yet, as the village is quite culturally integrated and sound.
Conflicts usually go straight to the Lamberdar or get resolved automatically.I firmly believe that if a woman can manage her home, she can just as easily
work for the progress of her village and community, which is why I am also a
member of various committees within Pheh.As an active member of the Watershed Committee, I had also worked for the
development of my region. Shortage of water for irrigation and a lack of water
supply remain crucial problems for my village, to the extent that there are
tussles with the neighbouring villages and the women often keep nightlong
vigils for water. The committee constructed a water reservoir to meet our
drinking-water needs but water for the fields is still scarce.Fed up with the lack of water supply for irrigation, I declared one day that if
water were not given soon, I would file a requisition and a letter of complaint
with the Councillor. This declaration was enough for people to start preparing
the soil for their fields! They have a lot of confidence in my leadership and are
certain I will do something.As recognition for my work in the Watershed Committee, the government of
Jammu and Kashmir sent me to gujarat on an exposure visit, where I visited
Anna Hazare’s organisation.Sonam Dolma
Chairperson, Panchayat
Adalat
Panchayat: Pheh
District: Leh
Ladakh