Advocate Bhawana Dhiman to draw Re 1 salary as Pradhan; Rajesh Thakur pledges focus on healthcare & environmental issues
Solan, June 15
While the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected Panchayat representatives in Solan district marked the beginning of a new local governance cycle, two newly elected Pradhans—Advocate Bhawana Dhiman of Gram Panchayat Jodhana and Rajesh Thakur of Gram Panchayat Khala—stood out for their distinct agendas and public commitments.
Bhawana Dhiman, a practicing advocate who has been elected Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Jodhana, announced that she would accept only a symbolic salary of Re 1 during her tenure. Speaking to Himachal Scape, she said that tackling the growing menace of stray animals would be among her foremost priorities.
Dhiman said she intends to pursue the issue through both legal and administrative channels. Referring to recent Supreme Court directions concerning stray cattle management, she said Gram Panchayats should receive adequate financial support for running cow shelters and that farmers and rural residents affected by stray animals must be compensated for their losses.
She also emphasized women’s empowerment as a key area of focus. According to her, creating awareness about legal and constitutional rights, promoting education, and encouraging skill development among women would form an important part of her agenda. She added that issues concerning women and marginalized sections would be pursued vigorously, including through legal intervention wherever necessary.
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Another notable Panchayat leader is Rajesh Thakur, who was elected unopposed as Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Khala, a development being described as a first in the Panchayat’s history. Thakur said his immediate priority would be strengthening healthcare access in rural areas by facilitating hearing aids, spectacles and dental health services for villagers.
He also raised concerns over environmental and civic issues linked to Jubbarhatti Airport. Thakur alleged that natural water sources had been adversely affected by debris and muck generated during airport-related activities. He said addressing drainage, sewerage and pollution concerns would remain high on his agenda.
Thakur further pledged to advocate for families affected by land acquisition, displacement and environmental impacts arising from airport expansion and the Jathia Devi township project. He also highlighted the need for sustained efforts on issues relating to town planning regulations and long-pending revenue settlement matters affecting residents of the Panchayat.
Earlier, Health and Family Welfare Minister Col. Dr. Dhaniram Shandil administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly elected Pradhans and Up-Pradhans of Solan district, urging them to work towards transparent, participatory and development-oriented grassroots governance.
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