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Odisha woman sarpanch begs for a living

The word sarpanch conjures up the image of rural authority, a person solving problems of villagers, and getting development works executed. But in a mockery of both the privilege and the grassroots governance system supposed to empower the disadvantaged, a sarpanch in Odisha’s Ganjam district has been found begging for her survival.

Hema Naik, the woman sarpanch of Badapalli panchayat under Khallikote block of Ganjam district, has been seen going from house to house seeking alms. Ms. Naik belongs to the Scheduled Caste community. She became sarpanch of Badapalli, a predominantly tribal panchayat, after the post was reserved for women Scheduled Caste candidates.

When contacted Block Development Officer of Khallikote, Mitali Patra, acknowledged receiving information about the woman sarpanch’s dire straits six months ago.

However, her election to the top post in the panchayat did not bring about any change in her financial status. According to villagers, she continued to remain dependent on begging. Her tenure as sarpanch will end early next year.

Though her husband works as peon in the panchayat office, and a son works as daily wager, their earnings are not adequate. Incidentally, Ms. Naik was present alongside Khallikote MLA Suryamani Baidya, who had gone to Badipalli to distribute the smart health cards under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), a few days ago. A day after the event she returned to begging again.

When contacted, Block Development Officer of Khallikote, Mitali Patra, acknowledged receiving information about the woman sarpanch’s dire straits six months ago. “Information about Badapalli sarpanch begging on street was forwarded to us from Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell about six months ago. Subsequently, we carried out an investigation to ascertain the fact. The sarpanch told us that she was not begging in the panchayat,” said Ms. Patra.