Youngest woman sarpanch takes up cause of education in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: With an aim to teach the nuances of English and Mathematics subjects, 23-year-old tribal woman Sarpanch Ritu Pandram, has taken up the noble task of providing free classes to students upto Class 8 in village Sarbahara of Bilaspur district. Ritu, a post graduate in bio-technology, feels the progress of a region largely depends on the education of the masses.
Hailing from an agriculture-oriented family, she had suffered many setbacks to pursue education.She did her schooling from a residential school away from her village. Ritu’s academic qualification helped her win the faith of villagers and they voted her to power in Sarpanch election. Talking to TOI, Ritu said, “I won by 300 votes and since last one year, I am running free of cost coaching classes for students till Class 8 with an aim to teach them the basics of English and Mathematics.”
Talking about the development of villages, she said, “If villagers have better access to water, electricity, sanitation and education, it would not only transform their lives but would also brighten their future.” Ritu teaches about 30 students from 7am-9am. “I want to appear in civil services examination. I also attend coaching classes at Gurella development block in the evening hours to prepare for entrance exam.”
Ever since Ritu assumed the office, she got engaged in the task of development. She worked for improved sanitation facilities and encouraging girls to pursue higher education in other towns. The young woman also spread awareness on benefits of constructing toilets in their homes and after her campaigning, around 600 houses in her village had constructed toilets in span of one year.
To ensure that government schemes are utilized by villagers, the young woman sarpanch conducted awareness sessions and helped villagers to get their payments through MNERGA and informed residents about Aadhar cards. Ritu said, “Though I don’t work in fields on regular basis, but helping parents is something that is part of our village culture. So I help my father in my free time.”