Kumar Raiv Nayan
Ara : Ichari Panchayat under Ara block in Bhojpur district has been declared first Open Defecation Free (ODF) panchayat in the district. A ‘Gaurv Yatra’ was taken out from Baghakol Middle School at Ichari village to mark the occasion on December 1, 2016. Bhojpur DM Birendra Prasad Yadav, Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) Inayat Khan and District Board Chairperson Arati Devi jointly inaugurated the function organised to mark the occasion.
The officials also participated in the Gaurav Yatra and made the villagers aware of the ODF. Mukhias, ward councilors and some persons were awarded shield and medals for their commendable work. The DM said that the panchayat was declared ODF due the sincere efforts of the villagers. DDC Inayat Khan said that open defecation is a slur on the society and most of the crimes against women are committed during open defecation. Women took vow not to go in the open for defecation and demanded of the DM to impose fine of Rs 5,000 if anyone was caught defecating in the open.