Story of Chandrakala

Chandra Kala Biswakarma belongs to a Scheduled Caste and lives in the Toyang Ward, under Yangthang GPU of Gyalshing Block in West Sikkim. She is a member of the Sangam SHG and a resident of Toyang Village. She got married in the year 2005 at Toyang village and has two children, a boy and a girl. Her husband was unemployed. In September 2016, he went to North Sikkim in search of a job and became a driver for JCB. In a few months, he got married to another woman and stopped visiting his family in West Sikkim. He stopped sending money for his children and the family needs. Chandra Kala was unable to meet the requirements of the family and the needs of the two children staying in the private hostel and studying 4th standard and UKG respectively. She was landless and not having any assets in her name. She had taken a land for lease and cultivated vegetables and other crops which provided some income to meet the family needs but she was not able to pay the fees of her children and meet other expenses with her meagre earnings. 

Chandra Kala shared her problems with her SHG members. The SHG leaders took the matter to the Socail Action Committee (SAC) of Yangthang Federation. The SAC members, in consultation with the Ward Panchayat, called her husband to the village and discussed with him. It was evident that he wanted to get back to North Sikkim and not interested in staying with Chandra Kala. After few rounds of discussions, the SAC and the Ward Panchayat made him sign the agreement that he shall bear all educational expenses of the children besides giving Rs.1500 per month to Chandra Kala towards meeting her needs.

Chandra Kala was relieved of the financial burden and mental stress to a great extent. Her children continued their studies without any hindrance. She took two livelihood loan of Rs. 20,000 from the SHG for rearing piglets and goats and repaid the loan without defaulting. She also goes for MGNREGA work. Her children are in the school hostel and now studying in 9th standard and 5th standard respectively. She feels confident and inspires other women due to her hard work and ability to withstand pressures in life. She always acknowledges the support extended by the SHG and the Federation. She always extends her moral support and motivates the women who face struggles in their life due to gender discrimination.

Source : Inspirational Stories of Aatmanirbhar Rural Women