Girl education priority of this engineer sarpanch

Just after completing her engineering in computer science, a 22-year-old woman is all set to work as the Shekhpura village sarpanch.

Daughter of the Hisar deputy superintendent of police (DSP, headquarters), Pooja was elected to the post in the Hansi-I block of Hisar district on Sunday.

Talking with HT, Pooja said: “I never thought that I will become the sarpanch of the village just after completing my studies. I am really happy that villagers gave me a chance. I will try my best to work for the welfare of the village.”

It was when Pooja returned home after completing her engineering at Bahal in Bhiwani district that her family told her that her name is being suggested for the post of sarpanch. She went on to defeat the other contender, Sandeep, by 238 votes on Sunday.

Pooja’s father, Bhagwan Dass, said he was very happy that the villagers decided to select his daughter the sarpanch. “Although I unable to give enough time to my family, I am sure Pooja will work for the ‘chhattis biradari’ (36 communities) of the village.”

As sarpanch, Pooja plans to focus on girl education. “Equipping government schools in village with new technology will be my first priority. I will convince every girl in the village to go to school.”