Exemplary Leadership
The effectiveness of a Panchayat often depends on the vision of its Sarpanch. Here are three inspiring examples of leadership transforming rural India.
1. Dnyaneshwar Kamble (Solapur, Maharashtra)
- Profile: A transgender person elected as Sarpanch in 2017.
- Motto: Lok seva, gram seva (Service to the village is service to the public).
- Achievement: Defeated six other candidates, proving that service matters more than gender identity.
2. Vandana Bahadur Maida (Madhya Pradesh)
- Profile: A member of the Bhil community.
- Achievement: Defied patriarchal norms to become the first female Sarpanch of Khankhandvi village.
- Impact: convinced women to attend Sabha meetings and addressed critical issues like education and sanitation.
3. Popatrao Baguji Pawar (Hiware Bazar, Maharashtra)
- Challenge: The village suffered from frequent droughts and poor agricultural yield.
- Action: Implemented rainwater harvesting, watershed conservation, and planted lakhs of trees.
- Result: Groundwater recharged, and the village became green and prosperous.
- Recognition: Awarded the Padma Shri in 2020.
Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative
Panchayats are not just for adults. The Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative creates opportunities for children to express their opinions on matters concerning their well-being.
Bal Sabhas & Bal Panchayats
In States like Maharashtra, children participate in Bal Sabhas (Children’s Assemblies).
- Goal: To solve issues like child labor and child marriage.
- Action: Convincing parents to send children back to school.
Case Study: Sangkhu Radhu Khandu (Sikkim)
This Gram Panchayat in West Sikkim prioritized children’s needs:
- Built compound walls for schools (safety).
- Constructed kitchens for hygienic midday meals.
- Result: Declared a “Child-Friendly Gram Panchayat”.
Case Study: The Children’s Parliament (Rajasthan)
An offshoot of the ‘Barefoot College’ initiative:
- Participants: Children aged 8–14.
- Structure: Followed formal procedures (elections, voter IDs, Cabinet).
- Impact: Children managed schools and advocated for community needs, fostering leadership and social responsibility.
Tip
Think About It: Why is it important for a village council to listen to children? Children often raise issues that adults might overlook, such as school safety or playground maintenance.