Woman sarpanch takes charge at Dehlon village

With the government implementing directives to give fifty per cent representation to women in the constitution of gram panchayats, incumbent eves who are taking up command of their respective villages have put forth an agenda to work for overall development of their localities with the help of male members of their families.

Winning the election for the post of sarpanch by the widest margin of 1,470 votes since the constitution of the panchayat at Dehlon village, Baljinder Kaur advocates negating gender bias instead of raising slogans in favour of women.

“I do not believe in working for a particular gender, caste, or section of society, even though I contested the election for sarpanch of a gram panchayat that is reserved for women,” said Baljinder Kaur. She said she, along with her colleague members of the panchayat, would work progress of all, including women, men, children and the elderly.

Speaking about the drug menace, she said Baljinder would rope in women to sensitise masses about the causes and consequences of social evils, including drug abuse, eve teasing and violence. She said, “I personally believe that timely and regular counselling by mothers can inculcate good habits, moral values and ethics among their young wards.”

Harvinder Kaur Bajwa was unanimously elected sarpanch of Badeshe village. She said elderly male members of her family led by retired police inspector Satinder Singh Bajwa had been looking after affairs of the village panchayat and other organisations of the village for over two decades with active participation of the women. She said, “I have been formally elected sarpanch of the village panchayat. It is my turn to work from the front with the help of all my associates.” She said the panchayat would prioritise the health and education of girls.

Gurmeet Kaur, who was elected unopposed for the post of sarpanch of Dehliz Khurad village, also aired similar views, as her family too had been leading the gram panchayat for three terms. “Though we can well comprehend the idea behind reservation for women in rural local bodies, this does not mean that we have to look after the interests of women only,” said Gurmeet Kaur.

Acknowledging the trend prevalent at almost all villages, Gurmeet Kaur said seeking the help of her husband, Ravinder Singh, a former sarpanch, in routine matters would help her focus on sensitising women of the village on causes and consequences of various social evils.