I have studied up to Class IV and my family is quite well off. I never wished
to be a part of the political sphere, but my family members wanted me to
contest the 2007 Panchayat elections. The seat was reserved for women and I
was elected as the President. After I joined office, I faced many problems since
I was unaware about my role and responsibilities as a President.Shive Prerna, an organization, which works in the village, is implementing
the “Panchayat Sakhi” project. As a part of the project, a three-day training
program was organized and I was invited for it, I gained knowledge about the
gram Panchayat and my role as a President. When I came back to the village
after the training program, I tried to mobilize the village women and create
awareness among them about their rights and the importance of gram Sabhas.
In the first all-women gram Sabha of the village, we discussed the problem
of transportation and everyone decided to write a letter to the government
Transport office. We then went to the Transport office and made a demand for
bus services to our village. The government Transport Department approved
the proposal and because of the involvement of women, a major problem was
solved.The male members of the village have also appreciated my work and
contribution. I will always work for the village development and will try to
ensure participation from the village women.Ratnabai Shivaji Patil
President
Village: Patharad
Block: Bhadgaon
District: Jalgaon