Residents protest alleged interference by panchayat representatives’ spouses in Assam's Nagaon

Residents of several villages under the Garajan Development Block in Assam's Nagaon district staged a protest at the block office on May 30, alleging that the spouses of some elected panchayat representatives were interfering in the functioning of local self-government institutions.
 

The protesters gathered at the office of the Block Development Officer (BDO) and submitted a memorandum seeking administrative intervention. They alleged that the husbands of some women panchayat representatives had been participating in official matters related to the implementation of government development schemes despite not holding elected positions.
 

The protesters specifically raised allegations against Nurul Amin Choudhury, the husband of the president of the Rupohi-Roumari Gaon Panchayat, claiming that he was involved in panchayat-related activities alongside his wife.
 

They also referred to earlier directions issued by the State government discouraging the participation of spouses of elected women representatives in official meetings and administrative affairs. According to the protesters, such directives were not being adequately enforced.
 

The memorandum submitted to the district administration and the BDO sought measures to ensure that elected representatives discharge their responsibilities independently and that unelected individuals do not influence panchayat functioning.
 

Speaking during the protest, several residents said the issue had implications for the effective functioning of local self-governance institutions and the empowerment of women representatives elected to panchayat bodies.
 

Choudhury, responding to the allegations, denied any wrongdoing and said the claims made against him were unfounded.