Ranchi, March 5: One claims to be the first tribal woman from Jharkhand to crack the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Another served as a civil surgeon in four districts of the state. There’s also a homemaker with a Ranchi University degree.

Among the 30-odd candidates vying for the Ranchi mayor’s post, which is reserved for ST woman, meet Celcilia Merwar, Ashrita Kujur and Lalita Oraon — determined, confident and brimming with ideas about “what to do” to ensure Ranchi becomes the capital that Jharkhand deserves.

A former commissioner of income-tax in Calcutta, already Bhengra Cecilia, alias Cecilia Merwar (65), has managed to acquire the front-runner tag for herself. She wants to use her 40-years’ experience as an IRS officer to make a “capital” out of Ranchi.

“Ranchi is in such bad shape. The city does not qualify to be a state capital in its present state. Unfortunately, the powers that be are not bothered. I want better civic amenities in the state capital,” said the resident of Dangra Toli Chowk contesting elections with a ring as her poll symbol.

An MSc in zoology with a law degree from Ranchi University, Cecilia served the Jharkhand State Electricity Board as member (finance). These days, she practices as an advocate in Jharkhand High Court and claims support from organisations of lawyers and Rotarians.

Describing herself as a “product” of the JP movement, former civil surgeon of Ranchi Ashrita Kujur feels the polls have given her a “fresh lease of life”.

“I want to make Ranchi a model metropolitan city. It lacks adequate facilities. Basic civic amenities such as clean drinking water, electricity and street lights are lacking,” said Kujur, an MBBS from Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences.

Housewives see themselves as candidates too.

Lalita Oraon has her priorities set. “More parks, some crèches and most importantly, a parents’ club for the elderly are on the list what my promises,” she said.

Oraon, who clarified that she was under no pressure from the men of her community to contest, was confident her campaign would have a resonance among the youth, women, parents and senior citizens.

Jagrani Kujur, a teacher, felt the municipal polls were a good testing ground of her skills as an able administrator. “I have been chairperson of a coveted school association and proved my mettle as a leader. Now, I want to ensure that Ranchi is better administered,” she said.

Another key contestant for mayor is Rama Khalko, who draws support from the JJM patronised by state HRD minister Bandhu Tirkey. “I have been in social service for several years. I will appeal to the people to vote for me for a better Ranchi,” she said.