Being a witness to a village level (Governance)
The common practice unfortunately which is prevalent in Bihar is marriages take place with great pomp and show. A lot of money is spent and demands from the groom sides are always a big burden on the girl’s family. This is not a story but the truth of one Umesh Thakur, a construction worker at Panchmukhiya Mandir. His daughter had passed her High school and though she was over 20 years of age, she was forced to be married. After meeting all the demands from the groom’s side, the girl was badly treated by the husband who failed to work and abused her on a number of counts.
Two of the members from the Team attended the village level governance meeting and listened to the headman who was a very forthright person. He had very wisely heard the accusations of the young woman before the meeting and therefore was sensitive to the situation. He gave his verdict which was initially rejected as the people present wanted to know the reason, but he took cognizance of the situation and informed the Gathering the young woman does not have to speak out in the presence of everyone. A written document was undertaken with the agreement that all tht was given as dowry would be returned within a period of 8 days, failing to do so, action would be taken on the entire family.