Amid hundreds of nonperforming representatives of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI), there are some who have exhibited exemplary performance against all odds and if that person happens to be someone belonging to socially marginalised section, then it is something for the State to feel proud of.
Archana Mahto, Mukhiya of Murramkala panchayat in Ramgarh has been actively working against the social evil of alcoholism in her area for the past 17 years. Mahto a graduate in History finally got the opportunity to force the practice of drinking in open out of the five villages of Murramkala panchayat when she became an elected representative.The woman, mobilised other like-minded women and took out protest march in all villages — Murramkala, Gosa, Burhakhukhra, Kankebar — and banished people involved in producing alcohol besides and also discouraged drinking practice, quite common. The area is now known as ‘Red Alert Zone’ for strict taboo on drinking in open.
“Our area was known for liquor made of mahua. We had to face a lot of problem because of inebriated people. So when I became Mukhiya I mobilised women, armed them with sticks and took out protest march to convey the message among habitual drinkers that if you don’t shun the practice of drinking in public we will thrash you. The trick worked,” said Mahto. Thanks to awareness campaign and ardor to prevent the alcoholism, women in Murramkala made drunkards retreat to the confinement of their houses to enjoy liquor. The arduous women of the Panchayat now take out procession in morning at an interval of three to four months to prevent the resumption of the practice of drinking in open.
“I had to face embarrassment on several occasions for raising my voice against manufacturing units of country made liquor. After succeeding in endeavour we take out morning rounds every three to four months to remind people of consequences of drinking in public,” added Mahto. Interestingly, Mahto’s inclination for development works was as intense as her dislike for alcohol. The Mukhiya was given commendation letter by State government last year on women’s day for helping in drinking water project of Drinking Water and Sanitation Department. The active Mukhiya helped around 180 houses of Murramkala in getting water supply at a monthly fee of Rs 64.
Notwithstanding achievements made against odds, the Mukhiya believes that with little bit of extra support from administration villages under the Panchayat would have become a model village for others to emulate. Since Mahto became Mukhiya of the Panchayat, organic farming has gained momentum in four villages especially in Gosa where 90 per cent farms use organic method of farming besides helping in curbing the practice of open defecation by constructing around 270 toilets under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan.