As a woman Sarpanch of Sujanpur Gram Panchayat, Bishnupriya Mahakud (age 47) set an inspiring example of achieving an ODF+ status with continuous efforts towards making the Gram Panchayat clean and green.

Bishnupriya has made tireless efforts to sensitize all households towards swacchhata and dignified living. She undertook a range of activities to bring about behavioural change, including IEC activities on sanitation and waste management though village meetings, interpersonal communication, door-to-door visits, rallies, cleanliness drives, wall writings, and poster and banners. She has been supported in her efforts by women SHGs, youth, and other villagers. She utilized MGNREGA, 15th FC, and SBM-G funds for the effective implementation of sanitation activities.

Additionally, Bishnupriya created a revenue model for the women SHGs through door-to-door collection of the user fee of Rs. 10 per household. The incentive is Rs. 5,000 per month paid to the SHG members for waste collection from every 250 households.

She has played a vital role in the district’s collaboration with UNICEF and UNDP to ensure WASH and solid waste management awareness in schools and anganwadis. Bishnupriya has been instrumental in bringing the programme to the district.

Bishnupriya is the first woman leader of the village and has ensured an ODF+ status for each village in the district. Her continuous community mobilization and efficient coordination with various departments and stakeholders has led to various accolades for the Jajpur district. It secured the 4th rank at Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2022 at the national level.