Dehradun: Years of migration and male-dominated politics in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand have left villages empty and the system weak. But now the picture is changing. Educated young women of Gen Z, returning to their villages after leaving college, are taking charge of the Panchayat. Equipped with a degree, self-confidence and a smartphone, this new Pradhan is not only challenging migration but is also shaking the roots of ‘Pradhan-pati’ politics.
Generational change seen in Panchayat elections
In the Uttarakhand Panchayat election results declared at the end of July, young women became heads for the first time in many villages. Girls aged 20–22 have now been elected to seats traditionally occupied by older men. In just a few months, these youth-oriented groups are working directly on core problems like migration, bad roads, health and education.
Sakshi Rawat: Chose village instead of lab
Sakshi Rawat (22), resident of Kui village of Pauri Garhwal, decided to return to the village instead of working in Dehradun after completing her degree in Biotechnology. Sakshi says, ‘Most of the youth leave the village after studies. I want them to stay here and create something. He believes that real change starts from home and the future of Uttarakhand is in the hands of the youth.
Priyanka Negi: From mathematics to governance
Priyanka Negi (21), head of Sarkot village in Chamoli district, once wanted to become a mathematician. His father himself has been chief twice. While accompanying her to block meetings, Priyanka realized that the real mathematics was in governance. Their priority is road connectivity. Priyanka believes that if the roads are good then half the problems of the mountain will be solved automatically.
Leadership and motherhood together: Diksha Mandoli
Deeksha Mandoli, head of Guladi village (Chamoli), is only 22 years old. Despite getting married at the age of 20 and becoming a mother at 21, she assumed leadership. Diksha, a graduate from English, considers the increasing drug addiction among the youth as a big challenge. She clearly says, ‘Now people talk to us directly, there is no need for any ‘pradhan-pati’.’
Small villages, big thinking: Kiran Negi
Kiran Negi, the head of Chari village of Chamoli (about 250 voters), is the youngest head of her block. He says, ‘The village is small, but the problems are big – water, roads, everything.’ Kiran is taking decisions without any male representative, which proves that leadership is not limited to cities only.
Challenge both migration and patriarchy
This Gen Z leader believes that the biggest problem of Uttarakhand is neither money nor geography, but thinking. Their aim is-
employment in village
better school
strong health system
Showing the future to the youth in the village itself
