Mayor Pabitra Devi Mahatara Prasain of Birtamode has served as the city’s mayor since 2022. Aware of the differing perceptions of male and female leaders, she is forging her own path to contribute to the city and improve the lives of local people.
She has outlined her contributions in a five-year development plan. The plan integrates key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, physical infrastructure, forestry, tourism, and business. It is guided by the slogan: “Growth in industry, business, health, education, agriculture, and employment: Prosperity of Birtamode through development and good governance.”
At the implementation level, the municipality has introduced plans to encourage private sector involvement by creating a supportive environment for establishing hospitals. It has also launched regular door-to-door health services for senior citizens and people with disabilities, as well as ambulance services staffed with specialist doctors. (myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com)
In practice, Mayor Pabitra has contributed to upgrading the hospital from a 15-bed to a 25-bed facility, with total construction costs estimated at Rs 150 million (approximately USD 1.6 million (english.nepalnews.com, June 2023)
Under her leadership, the municipality has also prioritised agricultural development by providing grass and fodder shredding machines to farmers at a 50 per cent subsidy, along with training in their use. (www.newsabhiyan.com)
Mayor Pabitra’s work demonstrates that societal gender preferences do not improve cities, but tangible contributions do.
Sources:
https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/index.php/news/birtamod-municipality-unveils-a-five-year-periodic-plan-to-make-one-of-the-prosperous-areas-in-eastern-nepal
https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/27876
https://www.womenmayors.com/feature/nepali-women-mayors
https://www.newsabhiyan.com/news-details.php?nid=353245
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/health/birtamod-municipal-hospital-to-be-upgraded/
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=613688344663443&set=a.215945661104382&type=3
https://birtamodmun.gov.np/en
