by Priyanka Golikeri, Daily News & Analysis, India - Till a year ago, Gyarsidevi was like any other woman in the village. Attending to the needs of her children, caring for her ageing in-laws and cultivating bajra and millets from August to October, Gyarsidevi’s days drifted past her. When she wasn’t working, she would while away the time with other village women, since her contractor husband was mostly away in the city.

But today, it’s different. Gyarsidevi has little time for idle chat. Instead, she squeezes out as much time as she can to fulfil her new responsibilities as a swasthya sevika. She checks the weight, temperature and blood pressure of fellow gaonwallas, and delivers medicines on the recommendation of physicians sitting in Jaipur. A yellow board on the wall of her compound announces the presence of a swasthya kendra.