A typical example of what development means for women in India comes from Keonjhar in Odisha. Despite facing deprivation and setbacks early in life, Basanti Naik, today successfully oversees the implementation of MGNREGA projects in her village. Her life is a testament to the positive impact government-run programmes can have. But it is also a reminder that thousands of women have yet to enjoy similar success.
Basanti Naik came to Asanamani village in the Keonjhar District of Odisha 20 years ago, when she married Bidyadhar Naik at the age of 16. Despite being the third daughter of a farmer, she had completed her high school education. As a result, this 36-year-old mother of three children is, today, a successful Gram Snajojak (the person tasked with overseeing the execution of MGNREGA projects at the village level) and has overseen the implementation of three projects under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme....