Bhagirathi Devi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member ofBihar Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Chandra Mohan Rai |
| Constituency | Ramnagar |
| In office 2000–2010 | |
| Preceded by | Bhola Ram Toofani |
| Succeeded by | Constituency defunct |
| Constituency | Shikarpur |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1954-01-12)12 January 1954 (age 71) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Spouse | Mamikhan Raut |
| Children | 6 |
| Residence(s) | Shikarpur,West Champaran district, Bihar |
| Occupation | Politician Social worker |
Bhagirathi Devi (born 12 January 1954) is an Indian politician. She is a member of theBihar Legislative Assembly, and currently representsRamnagar, Paschim Champaran.[1][2] Bhagarithi Devi initially worked as a sweeper in the block development office in Narkatiyaganj,West Champaran district with₹800 (US$9.50) as salary.
She hails from a Mahadalit family fromNarkatiaganj in Bihar. Bhagirathi again contested fromRamnagar assembly seat in2015 Bihar Legislative Assembly election against Congress candidate and won the seat.[3][4][5][6] In April 2015, Bhagirathi Devi fought with Annu Shukla of ruling Janata Dal (United) during the Zero Hour inBihar Legislative Assembly over the issue of non-payment of wage underMGNREGA scheme.[7] Bhagirathi Devi initially won elections from now-defunctShikarpur (Vidhan Sabha constituency) in 2000 and 2005. She is married to a railway employee, Mamikhan Raut.
In 2019, she was honoured with thePadma Shri Award.[8]
Bhagirathi allowed the Anganwadi Kendra (child care centres) to open its office in her house inWest Champaran district. She especially worked in the field of girls’ education. Bhagirathi spent several years creating mahila sangathans (women's groups) in Narkatiyaganj block, organising women and creating awareness around issues that included domestic violence, violence against dalits and fair wages. She later expanded her political activism to other blocks in the district, going to jail in 1991 for organising demonstrations.