In Bokkasampalem Gram Panchayat, transformation has taken root through collective determination and women-led governance.

Located in Srikalahasti, the village recently secured first place nationally under the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment category. This recognition reflects five years of consistent grassroots effort.

Women in the village have moved beyond participation into leadership roles. With 55% representation in the panchayat, they actively influence decisions.

As a result, the village has recorded zero crimes against women and achieved complete enrolment and retention of girl children.

Moreover, Self-Help Groups have played a central role in this journey. These groups built financial stability, trust, and unity among women.

Over time, they created a strong corpus fund of ₹4 crore. This financial strength enabled women to take up livelihoods and support their families confidently.

Economic activity in the village has grown steadily. Dairy farming emerged as a reliable income source, with households contributing milk daily to cooperative societies.

At the same time, women diversified into Kalamkari art, tailoring, and small-scale production. Activities such as making khova, cleaning products, and vegetable farming further improved incomes.

Healthcare and education also reflect the village’s progress. The community achieved zero neonatal deaths and ensured 100% institutional deliveries.

Awareness programmes and nutrition efforts improved overall well-being. Meanwhile, girls are encouraged to pursue higher education, and child marriages have been eliminated.

Access to credit has strengthened this transformation. Financial support through bank linkages and welfare schemes has reached almost every household.

Consequently, women now actively run businesses and contribute to the local economy, which sees transactions of ₹2 to ₹3 crore annually.

In addition, environmental efforts have improved agriculture. Tank desilting and water conservation increased water availability. This encouraged farmers to diversify crops, including dragon fruit, mango, and jasmine.

Bokkasampalem stands as a model village. Its journey highlights how strong community participation and women’s leadership can drive lasting and meaningful rural development.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on March 13, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1114339