Patna: Women elected representatives in Bihar’s panchayats are taking decisions on issues including drinking water, school safety and anganwadi infrastructure, with several local initiatives aimed at addressing basic needs in rural communities.
The examples have been highlighted as part of a joint initiative of the Panchayati Raj Department and the Centre for Catalyzing Change (C3) to highlight the role of women representatives in local governance.
Ensuring Tap Water Reaches Households
Heera Devi, a resident of Ward 16 of Sughrain Panchayat in Kusheshwar Asthan East, Darbhanga, entered local politics after observing that development work in her area had stalled.
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After being elected as a local representative, she prioritised the functioning of the tap-water supply scheme in her ward. She also coordinated with officials at the block and district levels to initiate a new water-supply arrangement for a hamlet located across the embankment.
According to the account, households in the ward are now receiving regular supplies of drinking water through the system.
School Boundary Wall Strengthened for Girls’ Safety
In Mehsi block of East Champaran, Mukhiya Anjali Sharan identified concerns over the safety of adolescent girls during an inspection of a school in Mahmadpur Majhaulia Panchayat.
Students reportedly told her that the school’s low boundary wall allowed outsiders to enter the premises in the evening, contributing to a sense of insecurity and affecting attendance.
The panchayat used funds from the 2025-26 financial year to construct a higher boundary wall and a secure gate at the school.
Dilapidated Anganwadi Centre Turned Into Learning Facility
In Siswa East Panchayat of East Champaran, Mukhiya Tania Parveen took up the renovation of a dilapidated anganwadi centre.
Using panchayat development funds and support available through government schemes, the centre was renovated and equipped with several facilities, including:
- Wall paintings and child-friendly interiors
- An RO water purifier
- A child-friendly modern toilet
- Electricity facilities
- Benches and chairs for children
- Play and educational materials
The centre, which had previously remained in poor condition, is now being used as a learning facility. The initiative has reportedly been followed by an increase in children’s enrolment and attendance.
Women’s Role in Local Governance
The initiatives illustrate how elected women representatives are addressing specific community-level requirements through panchayat institutions, including access to drinking water, school infrastructure, children’s facilities and safety.
The Panchayati Raj Department and C3 have highlighted such examples to showcase women’s participation in grassroots governance and their role in addressing local development needs.
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