The Struggle of Choma Gram Panchayat

Introduction

This story is from the Choma Gram Panchayat, located approximately 20 kilometres from the Ramgarh block in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Around 500 families live in this village, consisting of various castes such as Mali, Muslim, Oad Rajput, Jatav, and Prajapat. The villagers are primarily involved in livestock farming, agriculture, and daily wage labor work. There is a low inclination towards education, particularly girls' education, resulting in a lack of awareness about their rights.

Formation of the Gram Adhikar Committee

Under the “Access to Entitlement” program initiated by the Ibtada organization, a “Village Right Committee” (VRC) was formed in the village. Along with this, an "Adhikar Sakhi" was selected to work on the village's issues. Banto Ji, a very honest and hardworking woman, was chosen as the Adhikar Sakhi of the village. Although Banto Ji is not educated, her passion and determination for societal development inspired everyone.

Water Drainage Issue in the Village

During a meeting of the Village Right Committee, a significant issue related to water drainage was raised. The committee members reported that waste water of the village had accumulated on the main road which is causing severe problems for the villagers, especially while commuting. Children and elderly people were frequently falling into the pits filled with water, and diseases were spreading due to the contaminated water. Moreover, the water was causing cracks in nearby houses, and if it continued, the houses were at risk of collapsing.

The Women’s Struggle

Varisha, a team member of the Ibtada’s Access to Entitlement program, advised the Village Right Committee members to unite and present this issue to the Gram Panchayat. The next day, the women went to the Gram Panchayat office, only to find it locked. They called the Sarpanch, who insulted them, saying that women had no business in the Panchayat. The women responded, "When you seek our votes during elections, why do you not respect our rights in the Panchayat?" After this, they contacted the VDO, who promised to address the issue after making them wait for half an hour.

Opposition from the Sarpanch and Men

Following this incident, the Sarpanch informed the husbands of these women, telling them how their wives were arguing with him and demanding the construction of a road. This led to many husbands fighting with their wives at home. However, the Village Right Committee did not back down. The women continued to push for their proposals in the Panchayat, even attending the Panchayat's monthly meetings, which were often not held.

Rajasthan Sampark Portal and Political Pressure

Eventually, the women contacted the Rajasthan Sampark Portal (181 number) for help. For two years, they received no solution, and the Sarpanch and Village Development Officer (VDO) kept giving them false assurances. Gradually, even the men began to realize that the women were doing the right thing, and they started supporting them. The men and women together approached the SDM of Ramgarh block, but no action was taken. Then, the villagers sent a letter to the local MLA, warning that if the road and drainage work was not carried out, they would not vote in the upcoming elections.  

Media and Administrative Action

On November 11, 2024, the villagers invited journalists to expose the truth about their issue. They also highlighted in newspaper that if their houses collapsed due to the water accumulation, the administration would be held responsible. Following this, on January 8, 2025, during the “Gram Panchayat Development Plan” (GPDP) meeting, the issue was raised in the presence of the Block Development Officer (BDO). The BDO directed the Sarpanch and the VDO to include this issue in the Gram Panchayat Development Plan and immediately begin work on the road construction.

Success and Collective Effort

In March 2025, the road and drainage construction work were sanctioned, and the work on the drains began. This marked the victory of the women’s struggle. The members of the VRC and the Adhikar Sakhi thanked the Ibtada team for their continuous support and motivation. The impact is that, now women are invited to every Panchayat meeting, their suggestions are considered, and the Panchayat office opens on time every morning.

Conclusion

This story illustrates that women’s struggles are never in vain. Despite being underestimated by society, when women stand together for a cause, success follows them. The women of Choma Gram Panchayat are now not only aware of their rights but also empowered to raise their voices. This change is not just a development of a village, but a symbol of a shift in societal thinking