“The Chairperson’s presence in every community activity encourages us. We feel that he always takes interest in and cares about the development of our tole. Looking at his behavior, we feel that we have found a true people’s representative-a genuine public servant.”
The statement from Tek Bahadur Rawal clearly reflects the dedication and commitment of Ward Chairperson Janataram Chaudhary of Ward No. 4, Bhajani Municipality towards his community. However, things were not always like this.
In the past, elected representatives were often unwilling to attend community programs or discussions. Sometimes, even if they visited the tole, they would only stop by the homes of one or two members from their own political party and then leave. This was a common frustration shared by most residents of Jhaljhaliya settlement.
Similarly, Hariram Chaudhary, Chairperson of Navadurga Tole Lane Organization, recalls how discouraged he felt by the treatment he received when he went to the ward office to submit an application for settlement-level plan selection. “We are told that the Tole Lane Organization is an important structure for the municipality’s social development, but in practice, the tendency to ignore our voices was deeply frustrating,” he says.
Community members felt that if people had to fear taking initiative in social work, it could never create a positive environment for society. In some cases, there was even suspicion that the Tole Lane Organization was being seen as interfering in the ward’s work.
But time does not remain the same forever. Gradually, the situation began to change. In Ward No. 4 of Bhajani Municipality, Tole Lane Organizations started demonstrating meaningful results in community development. Community members began discussing their own problems, making plans, and taking initiative to implement solutions. More importantly, it became evident that many of these activities could be carried out without creating an additional financial burden on the ward office.
Ward Chairperson Janataram Chaudhary also recognized this positive change. “Many of the tasks we would otherwise have to manage are now being completed by the community itself through voluntary labor. This has reduced our stress as well,” he says.
He came to understand that when a community moves forward on the path of development, the role of an elected representative is not to command but to support. Alongside the growing activism of the community, the role and behavior of the Ward Chairperson also changed. Now, wherever a Tole Lane Organization meeting is held, he personally attends. Encouraging the community, offering guidance, and committing immediate ward-level support for work the community cannot accomplish on its own has become almost a part of his daily routine. “Now, I hardly have to listen to complaints from the community anymore,” Chairperson Janataram says proudly.
Ammar Raj Neupane, a member of the Tole Lane Organization, is also very pleased with this transformation. “Now our Chairperson is with us in every community activity. If we make just one phone call, he arrives. Sometimes, he even joins us in voluntary labor,” he says enthusiastically.
The Tole Lane Organization has built a bridge of trust, dialogue, and collaboration between the elected representatives and the community. It is because of this bridge that Janataram Chaudhary has truly become the people’s beloved Janataram.
