Elected unopposed, women to rule Nattarmangalam

CHIDAMBARAM: Women are determined to make Nattarmangalam a role model to other villages in the country. It may be astonishing to note that all nine ward members and the president of the village are women and were declared elected unopposed in the local body election.All the 10 women representatives are ready to prove their administrative skills by implementing a host of welfare schemes in Nattarmangalam village near Kattumannarkudi in Cuddalore district.The new panchayat president V Sudha told Express that within three years, the village will get all the basic facilities.Sudha said she quit her government school teacher post three months ago with an aim to serve the people full-time without any hindrance.“My priority is to provide toilets to each and every house as women are facing inconvenience all the time. At present, out of 750 families living in the village, only three have toilets. Poor people do not have financial capability to build toilets. Hence, along with the panchayat fund and getting financial assistance from Anugraha Trust, we will be constructing toilets.”  Improving the financial status of the villagers is her next priority.“My next plan is to increase the monthly income of each family from the present Rs. 2500-3000 to Rs. 10,000 within a year,” adding that that basic amenities like roads and electricity would soon be provided properly.In order to create employment, she has decided to start poultry and fisheries farms in the village. There is also a plan to start small-scale industries to provide jobs to women.The Anugraha Trust, run by Sudha’s husband K I Manirathanam, is eagerly looking forward to provide support for all the projects.