Tea vendor becomes Sarpanch

Kishanganj, Bihar, June 12 (UNI) It was her first attempt in the hurly burly world of electoral politics, but a woman tea vendor achieved her dream of becoming a Sarpanch in Bihar overcoming all hurdles.

Riding on the upsurge mood prevailing among the rural women folk following reservation of 50 per cent of seats for women in the Panchayat election, Mrs. Simira Devi, a Sarpanch elect illiterate had already set her agenda for the next five years.

''I will work for empowerment of women and ensure administration of justice in a judicious manner,'' Simira Devi promised.

Simira Devi had been running a tea stall for the last seven years to earn a livelihood family.

She had been elected to the post of Sarpanch from Keosa Panchayat. She bemoaned that the areas under her Panchayat lacked development despite being situated in close proximity to the district headquarters.

Mother of three sons and two daughters,she lives at Paswan tola of Bheriadangi village. The hamlet is yet to be blessed with the power and the water supply. Her husband, Deonath Paswan, is also an illiterate and helps Simira Devi earn livelihood by selling tea.

When asked who inspired her to contest the election, she said that she was cajoled by her lady colleagues in view of prevailing situation in the Panchayat. The seat from where she romped home to victory is reserved for women candidates only.

UNI/XC/DH BA VA DB1334