Nabagram Panchayat
Nabagram Block, Murshidabad
Md. Zahiruddin, a passionate social worker, is the panchayat pradhan of the ‘Nabagram Gram Panchayat’.
He shares a very close proximity with the cluster of Nabagram GP i.e. ‘Nabagram Ashar Alo Sangha’. He voluntarily arranges snacks and other refreshments for the cluster and other SHG’s whenever meetings are conducted at Panchayat. Infact, he himself took the initiative of searching a suitable office room within the panchayat for the cluster which now will act as a cooperative. The maintenance cost of the room is borne by him. The most significant part is his participation in the process. On every 2nd Saturday, cluster conducts meeting of general body members where the pradhan himself attends. This is a rare exception where a panchayat pradhan being the part of constitutional entity participates in the meeting and understand the processes shaping community development. Whenever any proposal comes from the cluster committee which requires rapid action, he steps up and delivers. There are few instances like in a case of restraining a child marriage; abolishing child labour in MGNREGA within the village; a letter was issued by the cluster where he proactively got involved in the process and did his role to address the issues. This kind of cooperation is extremely necessary as without support from government or line department officials, a goal remains far-fetched.
Convergence with Panchayati Raj Institution for ensuring entitlements of SHGs is one of the prime focuses of NRLM. In Nabagram Block, ‘Samaj Sathi Bima Yojna’ has been tied up with the members for insuring them against any unwanted event (accidents and natural death). Mr Zahiruddin played a pivotal role in issuing the insurance card to all the members of groups falling under ‘Nabagram Gram Panchayat’.
Interestingly, he views SHG as a tool for development rather than a tool for vote bank. Moreover he strongly feels and thus says “…….development of villages will lead to development of the entire nation…….Women SHG’s should be nurtured, strengthened and supported by the government agencies to bring a sustainable positive change within the community”. The valuable contribution and commendable efforts of Md. Zahiruddin deserves a special attention to make the political personalities understand that ‘Work for People’ is beyond Power, Fame and Politics.