Meet Kasturi Duraisamy, First Woman Panchayat President Of Her Village

Because of the 50 per cent reservation in Tamil Nadu local body polls, many women took flight in the 2019 local body elections. One among them is 27-year-old Kasturi Duraisamy who became the president of her village Kovilvasal in Esugupatti Panchayat.

Some Takeaways:

• Kasturi Duraisamy is the first woman to become the president in her village. She aims to lay permanent roads in her village which is need of the hour. Further, she will ensure that government schemes are properly implemented in the village.
• In total six women were elected in these local body poll in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is the 17th State in the country to legislate 50 percent reservation for its women in local panchayats and in urban bodies.
• From college students to 80-year-old women won in these elections.

Know Kasturi Duraisamy

Kasturi Duraisamy. Image credit: New Indian Express

The 27-years old, Kasturi Duraisamy is the first women to become the president in her village and this was her first election. She aims to lay permanent roads in her village which is need of the hour. Further, she will ensure that government schemes are properly implemented in the village. Duraisamy also hopes to ensure that every need of the women of her village is fulfilled. Kasturi told The News Indian Express, “As soon as elections were announced, I thought of contesting. I’ve seen men in my village govern, and create change. I thought this time, I could do it. I have complete support from my husband and family.”

In total six women were elected in these local body poll in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is the 17th State in the country to allocate 50 percent reservation for its women in local panchayats and in urban bodies.

It was a beautiful sight to see Kasturi standing among the men who came to support her. Kasturi was a homemaker before taking part in politics. This is another step for women empowerment.

Read also: In A Landmark Move Tamil Nadu Village Elects All Women Panchayat

Other women who won

21-year old Dalit woman, Saranya Kumari was elected as the Ward member at Aathu Pollachi Panchayat in Anaimalai Union in Coimbatore district. Saranya is a student at Udumalai Government Arts College. No independent candidates stood for election from her area, after seeing Saranya's involvement in social issues and activities. She secured 137 votes out of 470 votes.

J Sandihya Rani, 21- year old student also elected Panchayat President at Kaatunayanak Doddi village in Krishnagiri district. She wishes to focus on the education of her village. Rani is a student at Christ University in Bengaluru. Rani's father was panchayat president in 2011. She won by the margin of 210 votes.

Read also: Class 11 Tamil Nadu Girl Who Gives Tuition And Sells Cashews To Visit NASA

49-year old conservancy worker, G Saraswathi elected  Panchayat President at Watrap Panchayat union in Virudhunagar district. She promises to fix the water problem in her area. Further, she also hopes to build proper toilets. 30-years old transgender woman, Ria wins as Union councillor in Namakkal district. Ria wants to focus on drinking water problem in her ward followed by proper road and transportation facilities. Ria won by a huge margin of 954 votes.

21-year old Dalit woman, Saranya Kumari was elected as the Ward member at Aathu Pollachi Panchayat in Anaimalai Union in Coimbatore district.

80-year old Veerammal won as Panchayat President at Arittapatti panchayat of Melur block in Madurai. The 80-year-old has contested twice before. Since the beginning of the counting, Veerammal was leading against seven men. She won by 195 votes.

In total six women were elected in these local body poll in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is the 17th State in the country to legislate 50 percent reservation for its women in local panchayats and in urban bodies.

Read also: Life In A Quaint Temple Town Of Tamil Nadu, Srirangam

Image Credit: New Indian Express

Mansi is an Intern at SheThepeople.TV