Rajya Bhul, 52, of Mangalsen Municipality-4, is currently working as an election police officer. She is generally literate and had applied for temporary police service in the 2079 elections. At that time, she did not pass the written exam. This time, she has joined the election police along with her daughter.

She has 6 daughters and 2 sons. Two of them are married. Rajya and her husband Padam Bhul have been working as laborers to raise the rest of the children. She said that she tried to join the election police after it was difficult to meet the family's expenses due to her weak financial situation.

'Apart from the gunyu choli, I had not even worn a kurta or suruwal. Now, wearing a police uniform makes me feel ashamed and embarrassed, but it also feels like I have gained courage,' Rajya said, 'When I came to the training on the first day after being selected, I came wearing a gunyu choli. I was surprised to wear a uniform that I had never thought of, and to train like a police officer. It is also a new experience for me.'

Becoming an election police officer is not her desire but a compulsion. Due to her weak financial situation and the discrimination and ostracism from her family and society after the birth of her six children, she became mentally and socially isolated. ‘I had 6 daughters in the hope of a son. When I had one daughter after another, I had to endure the scorn of family, relatives and society. I could not stay at home. We made a temporary shelter away from my family,’ she said, ‘After the birth of my son, I received the love and support of my husband. Now I have 2 sons. I have also received the love of my husband.’

Rajya, who is struggling with physical, mental and financial problems, made her daughter apply for the election police. The mother and daughter are training in the same uniform and at the same place. ‘Earlier, when I came to apply for the temporary police, my husband did not support me. He used to get angry saying that women should not do such work. This time, perhaps he understood. I came on my husband’s advice,’ she said.

After his wife Rajya Bhul and daughter were deployed as election police, Padam Bhul’s daily life has also changed. He is now handling most of the responsibilities at home alone. Padam says he is proud to see his wife and daughter taking on new responsibilities. ‘Earlier, I thought women should not do such work,’ he said. ‘Now, I am happy to see the hard work and confidence of my daughter and wife. The training is also fun. Many say that they love it.’

The mother and daughter, who are busy with training all day, are tired when they return in the evening. Padam says that he is helping them as much as he can to make them comfortable. Padam said that since both mother and daughter have become election police officers, they are now doing all the work inside and outside the house themselves. ‘Mrs. Rajya and daughter Soban leave home at 8 am and arrive at 6 pm. I cook food for them when they come,’ says Padam. ‘The mother and daughter, who are tired all day, wake up late in the morning. I cook breakfast myself.’ Now we know how difficult it is to support a family.'

Bindra Bhat, 42, of Mangalsen Municipality-5, has become an election police officer for the second time. Her daily life is not easy. The 40 days she has to work as an election police officer are more difficult than others. She has been handling the responsibility of cattle, taking care of five children and the role of an election police officer at the same time. She has three buffaloes, two cows and three bulls in her cowshed, which she also takes care of herself.

Bindra explained her routine, 'I wake up at 3 am. After collecting dung and cooking, I go on duty at 8 pm. I come back at 6 pm to finish the housework and it is 11 pm.' She said that she has not been able to sleep even 3 hours at night since becoming an election police officer.

She says that the money she receives from being an election police officer makes it easier to manage household expenses. 'My husband is sick. Our children are young.' There is no way to earn an income,' she said, 'I joined in the hope of meeting the expenses even if it is for a few days.'

Sita Dhungana, 40, of Mangalsen Municipality-5, is also generally literate. It is a new experience for Sita, who is playing the role of an election police officer. 'Even if it is only for 40 days, I got the opportunity to do government work. I will get money and learn new things, I am enjoying it,' she said, 'I have never worn pants or T-shirts. On the first day, I was embarrassed to come home wearing a dress. I wore it on the way. Now, all the shame and hesitation have gone.'

She says that earlier, even when I went to my parents' house, I used to worry about household chores, but now I can leave with confidence. 'I had to do all the household chores myself. Now I am not able to.' "After the election, the rest of the family was also working," she said, "I learn a lot when I leave the house. I am realizing why my daughter should work."