'Sudha Sakhi' to be Appointed in Every Panchayat and Village of Bihar, Animal Health and Veterinary Drug Centers to be Managed by Women
Saharsa: With the objective of promoting animal husbandry, strengthening milk production, and making women economically self-reliant in the rural areas of Bihar, the state government has taken a revolutionary and significant step. Under this, 'Sudha Sakhi' will be appointed in every panchayat and remote village of Bihar, and animal drug centers will also be established. The entire operation and command of this new and unique system will be entirely in the hands of women. This scheme, which will give a new impetus to the rural economy, will not only ensure timely treatment for animals but will also open new avenues of employment for rural women.
Background of the Scheme and the Concept of 'Sudha Sakhi'
Animal husbandry is a major source of rural livelihood in Bihar, but often cattle rearers suffer heavy losses due to the non-availability of timely veterinary care and medicines. To solve this problem, the government has conceptualized the 'Sudha Sakhi' scheme.
Command Given to Women: The biggest feature of this entire system is that it will be operated through women's self-help groups or local women. This will provide an unprecedented boost to women's empowerment.
Animal Drug Centers: Through these animal drug centers opening at every panchayat level, necessary medicines, mineral mixtures, and other useful supplies for animals will be easily accessible at reasonable prices.
Special Training for First Aid
Selected 'Sudha Sakhi' women will be specially trained to provide primary care to animals and immediate help in emergency situations.
Special Training Program: Through the government and the concerned dairy cooperative department, these women will be imparted technical knowledge related to common diseases in animals, first aid, vaccination, and nutrition.
Village-Level Health Facility: Following this training, 'Sudha Sakhi' will prove to be the first responders for cattle rearers in their respective villages, eliminating the need to depend on veterinary doctors or cities for minor issues.
Impact on Rural Economy and Women Empowerment
This initiative is expected to bring revolutionary changes in the rural regions of Saharsa and across Bihar.
Economic Self-Reliance: When women work as 'Sudha Sakhi' and operate animal drug centers, their income will increase, and they will be able to make a vital contribution to the economic development of their families.
Boost to Milk Production: Timely provision of proper medicine and primary treatment to animals will keep them healthy, which will have a direct positive impact on the state's milk production and cooperative movement.
The appointment of 'Sudha Sakhi' and the establishment of animal drug centers in every panchayat and village of Bihar will prove to be a milestone in the direction of rural development. This scheme achieves multiple goals at once—while on one hand, it protects animal health, on the other hand, it empowers and makes rural women self-reliant. Considerable enthusiasm has been witnessed among villagers and cattle rearers regarding this scheme in the Saharsa district as well.
