In Rudrama’s land, eves rule the roost

Warangal: It’s not by design but just a sheer coincidence that three of the five District Collectors, the district judge and the municipal commissioner in the region encircling Warangal, which once ruled by the brave 13th century monarch of the Kakatiya dynasty Rani Rudrama Devi, are women.

This had never happened before that so many women officers are at the helm of affairs in the region at one point of time. Moreover, in the last 67 years, only three women Collectors - Shalini Misra, K Damayanthi and Vakati Karuna – served the district, together for a period of little less than 6 years.

The split of districts which was aimed at taking the administration to the doorsteps of the people, has also pitch-forked three women into the limelight with Amrapali Kata (2010 Batch), A Sri Devasena (2008 Batch) and Preeti Meena (2010 Batch) taking over the reins of Warangal Urban, Janagaon and Mahabubabad districts, respectively.

However, all the three officers have a fair bit of experience behind them working at different levels in the administration; the fact is that they are relatively new to the head the district administration.

Against this backdrop, nearly five months into the power, they seemingly made a distinctive mark on the administration in their own inimitable style.

Speaking to The Hans India on the Warangal Urban District Collector Amrapali Kata said: “Right now the focus is on improving the infrastructure in the city which forms two-thirds of the district population. Efforts are on to put Warangal, the cultural capital of Telangana on the world tourism map, besides laying thrust on education and healthcare.”

Referring to the Sampurna Swastata programme, aimed at health for all, Janagaon Collector Sri Devasena said: “We have launched a 100-day module to address the healthcare needs of those above 40 years of age. As head of the district administration, there is vast scope to help the poor and underprivileged.”

Although the district is perennial for drought, the people here are very active, Devasena says pointing to progressive strides made by the people of Shamirpet, third village in the state to adopt cashless transactions. It may be noted here that once the village was well known for churning out quite a few Naxal leaders.

Relishing the challenge in trying conditions was Mahabubabad District Collector Preeti Meena. It may be noted here that 53 per cent of district population consists of SCs and STs. “A lot of perseverance, patience and hard work need to be put in,” Preeti Meena said, referring to the high rate of illiteracy, scattered tribal habitations and agriculture being the lone source of the economic growth.

Incidentally, judiciary wing is also headed by a woman officer, E Tirumala Devi being the Warangal Principal District and Sessions Judge.

On the other hand, Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sruthi Ozha and Warangal Rural Joint Collector M Haritha also hold key positions in the administration.