May 31, 2023

Asha Kandara's Inspiring Story: From Sweeper To Deputy Collector

By Anukriti Roy
First publised on 2021-07-16 16:59:15

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Anukriti is a student who dabbles in writing when she finds time.

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From sweeping the streets of Jodhpur as a staff of the conservancy department of the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation (JMC) to becoming a deputy collector in the same body is a journey not many people can undertake, but Asha Kandara is not an ordinary woman. Deserted by her husband eight years ago, the single mother of two kids appeared for the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) exams two years ago but the result got delayed due to the Covid situation. When it was published now, Kandara passed with flying colours and was appointed a deputy collector in the JMC.

Asha says she took up the sweeping job after appearing for the RAS exams to support her kids and her parents. She says that she has faced discrimination as a woman, for being from a 'low' caste and as a single mother but that never broke her resolve to be in the administrative services. She wanted to be an IAS officer but could not appear for the exams due to age related issues. As a deputy collector, it is her wish to help the poor and the underprivileged people who are often deprived of government help due to a bureaucracy that does not care. 

Asha's story is inspiring for all distressed women who think that it is the end of the road for them if they are deserted by their husbands and left to fend for themselves and their kids. She has shown that no work should be considered lowly and at the same time ambitions must not be junked due to the bad situation in life. She completed her graduation after recovering from the trauma of a broken marriage and then appeared for the RAS exam. Her hard work has paid dividends and she has now become a role model for all.