Mehma Sarja village to get first SC woman sarpanch in seven decades

Sameer Singh

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 29

For the first time, a SC woman candidate will become the sarpanch of Mehma Sarja village in Bathinda. It is for the first time after the Independence that the seat of the sarpanch has been reserved for a SC category woman in the village.

Villagers from the Dalit community are in high spirits as a woman from their community will become the sarpanch of the village for the first time in over seven decades.

As per the villagers there is a nail-biting competition between the candidates — Davinder Kaur and Gurdeep Kaur. They are strong contenders for the post of sarpanch. A majority of the residents of the village are well-educated and hold different positions in different government departments.

According to sources in the village, Lal Singh Mann was elected as the first sarpanch of the village in 1961. Barjinder Singh Brar was elected the sarpanch thrice in 1978, 1993 and 1998. In 2003, the seat of the sarpanch was reserved for a General category woman and Amarjit Kaur Mann was elected as the sarpanch.

In 2008, Amarjit Kaur Sekhon became the sarpanch of the village. Now in 2018, the seat has been reserved for a SC category woman.

The sources added that although both women candidates were contesting the panchayat elections as an Independent, but Davinder Kaur has primarily got support from the SAD.

Gurdeep Kaur has been backed by Congress workers and supporters.

Villagers are in high spirits 

Villagers from the Dalit community are in high spirits as a woman from their community will become the sarpanch. A majority of the residents of the village are well-educated and hold different positions in different government departments.