National honour for two Gaya women panchayat representatives today

Gaya: Two elected women representatives from Gaya district will be honoured at a national awards ceremony on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Gaya District Board (DB) chairperson Naina Kumari and Bikopur panchayat mukhiya Mehre Angez Khanam will be recognised for their contributions to rural development and public welfare.

Naina Kumari said the District Board has implemented projects such as construction of rural roads and drainage systems, development of cremation grounds, installation of high-mast and streetlights, renovation of community buildings, and construction of libraries and passenger sheds. She added that a commercial mall is proposed in the Ambedkar Market area of Gaya town. “The project will generate employment opportunities,” she said.

Khanam said Bikopur panchayat, located about 90km from the Gaya district headquarters and comprising 19 villages with a population of around 25,000, was once known for underdevelopment and challenges related to Maoist and criminal activities.

“Since being elected mukhiya in 2016, one of my key initiatives has been an adult literacy campaign for elderly people who never attended school. More than 200 elderly residents have become literate through the programme, locally known as the ‘Dada-Dadi, Nani Padho Abhiyan’,” she said.

She added that public awareness campaigns were conducted before implementing development projects, with emphasis on community participation.

Khanam said a free ambulance service was introduced for residents travelling to govt hospitals. The panchayat office was upgraded with CCTV cameras, a meeting hall, drinking water facilities and seating arrangements for visitors.

“Panchayat staff and revenue personnel attend the office as per a roster. An active RTPS counter enables residents to obtain certificates and access other govt services locally,” she said.

Highlighting other initiatives, Khanam said several youths secured jobs in Gaya and other cities after completing computer and vocational skill training programmes.

“Special awareness and livelihood initiatives have also been undertaken for women,” she added.