"Two children had been suffering from malnutrition of third grade a year ago. The girls started monitoring their health and there are no such cases now," said aanganwadi teacher Anuradha Hemke.

Till a year ago, the village girls would not venture out except to work in the fields. Today, not only do the girls earn their livelihood but ensure that all functionaries - such as teachers, doctors are doing their job properly .

"In a workshop, we were taught how to take charge," said Anuradha Borkar (16), who teaches the girls stitching.

The girls maintain a logbook for all records. "We note down names of pregnant women, track their check-ups, ensure their names are registered with health centres and make sure they take medicines regularly. After a child is born, we monitor its birth, weight and attendance in aaganwadis," said Thakrey .

The girls have managed to prevent child marriages too. "There is a wandering tribe here that marries off girls at the age of 12," said Varsha Miti (21). "About three months ago, we learnt that the marriage of a 16-year-old girl was being fixed. When we told them the legal implications, the marriage was put off."

The girls also ensure that school and aanganwadi teachers come to school regularly. "We started rating them every month. Since then, their attendance has improved," said Varsha Chaudhury (17).

The girls also run stitching classes for women. "We want every woman to work so they are not exploited," said Borkar.

Officials are surprised at the change.

"They were so meek till some months ago. Today, they have the confidence to undertake responsibilities," said Sadhana Dubey, an official.