Women-led water committees in Vadodara were recently handed over their incentive-based cheques under the Chief Minister Women Water Committee Promotion Scheme. Shalini Agarwal, District Collector of Vadodara, recognized and rewarded the efforts that were put in by villages of the district to manage water resources.
9 rural water committees were awarded 50,000 each based on their exceptional work in 2020-21. These committees are constituted by more than 70% women and have set an example in water management.
While applauding the work of women, Shalini Agarwal said, “The management capacity of women is unmatched in every field. Even among the various social and other responsibilities, there is a feeling that no one can reach the women power in the house and water system.” She added that these noble committees would act as motivators for other village committees.
Grameen Pani Samiti is one of the most important panels of the Panchayat. Hence, the primary purpose of this scheme is to increase the participation of village women in the management of rural water supply. The scheme is managed by the District Water and Sanitation Unit – Wasmo.
Out of these 9 committees, four are from Shinor taluka. Among the winning committees are Damapur, Nana Karala, Kukas and Avakhal of Shinor, Pura and Haldharwa of Karjan taluka, and Nahara and Kunpad of Savli taluka. Women’s Water Committee of Asoj in Waghodia taluka is also included in the list.
Notably, District Collector Shalini Agarwal has presented an excellent model of water supply management via the Panch Jal Setu Yojana. This is a strong indication of the expertise of women in water management. If continued, the model is bound to empower many women and also make villages water-efficient.