Pakur panchayat bags national award for women-centric governance

Rajesh Kumar PandeyDumka: Jhikrahatti Purvi panchayat in Jharkhand’s Pakur district has secured second place in the “women-friendly panchayat” category at the national panchayat awards. The award was presented by Union panchayati raj minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and minister of state S P Singh Baghel at a formal ceremony in Delhi on Wednesday.Panchayat mukhiya Nargis Sultana and secretary Mohammad Mustaqir received the award.A minority-dominated panchayat under Pakur Sadar block, Jhikrahatti Purvi was once marked by limited economic opportunities, with many women engaged in bidi-making and daily wage labour. However, sustained and coordinated efforts by the district administration, Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), and the health and education departments have led to a significant transformation, said its mukhiya.Through targeted interventions, women were mobilised into self-help groups, made aware of their rights, and encouraged to pursue alternative livelihood options. “There has been a remarkable social and economic change within a short period due to the collective efforts of panchayat representatives and local women,” said mukhiya Nargis Sultana.The initiatives have helped improve financial independence, participation in decision-making, and overall social status of women in the panchayat, turning it into a model for grassroots, women-centric governance.DC Megha Bhardwaj termed the recognition a “proud moment” for the district. “This award will inspire other panchayats and reaffirm our commitment to public participation, women empowerment and sustainable development,” she said.The DC expressed confidence that panchayats across Pakur would continue to deliver exemplary work and strengthen their presence on the national stage.