Patna: Dumri Panchayat in Buxar district, Bihar, has emerged as a beacon of women empowerment, with nearly 80% of its women becoming self-reliant through various livelihood and cottage industry initiatives. Under the proactive leadership of Panchayat Head Prem Sagar Kunwar, women in the region are now engaged in dairy farming, beauty parlors, tailoring, embroidery, and other small-scale industries, creating sustainable income sources and strengthening the local economy.
Women-led Livelihood Initiatives
Since taking office in 2021, Panchayat Head Prem Sagar Kunwar has prioritized women’s empowerment, aiming to make Dumri a “women-friendly model Panchayat.” The village now boasts four tailoring centers, where girls and women learn stitching skills, enabling them to start their own businesses and earn independently.
Success Stories
- Shanti Devi (50 years): Runs a beauty parlor in the village for the last three months, earning ₹200–₹500 daily.
- Anita Devi (35 years): Operates a beauty parlor and trains other women in tailoring, supporting her family’s needs and children’s education through her earnings.
Women are leveraging government schemes effectively:
- Sushila Devi (45 years): Bought a sewing machine using ₹10,000 from the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme, generating steady income.
- Daulatia Devi (50 years): Purchased a buffalo with ₹10,000 under the same scheme, selling milk at ₹50 per liter and planning to expand her livestock business.
Education and Health Initiatives
Dumri Panchayat is also focusing on girls’ health and education:
- Schools now have common rooms for girls during periods, along with pad vending and disposal machines.
- Around 1,000 sanitary pads are distributed free of cost each month.
- Free e-libraries with internet, computers, and books help students prepare for competitive exams, resulting in over 10 students qualifying, including four girls.
- Anganwadi centers now offer cartoon screenings for children, making learning more engaging.
- Campaigns like “Har Bachcha Vidyalay Mein” ensure school enrollment for children from Mahadalit and underprivileged families.
Recognition of Asha Workers
For the first time at the Panchayat level, outstanding Asha workers are honored annually, boosting their motivation and contribution to public health and welfare initiatives.
Panchayat Head’s Vision
Prem Sagar Kunwar emphasized, “Our goal is to ensure that government schemes reach the last beneficiary. Continuous efforts are being made in sanitation, ration distribution, education, women participation, health services, and plastic segregation.”
He added that Dumri Panchayat is set to become a full-fledged women-friendly model, serving as an inspiration for the entire state of Bihar.
