Astuti Kamboj elected sarpanch in Haryana’s first girls’ panchayat

In a historic move, the first-ever Girls’ Panchayat in Haryana was formed on Tuesday at Barseen village, Fatehabad district. The special panchayat includes girls between the ages 11 and 21 who participated in an election to choose their leaders.

The election was held at Government Senior Secondary School, where Astuti Kamboj was elected as the Sarpanch after receiving 22 votes. Sakshi and Anushikha came in second with 19 votes each. Several Panch members namely Manpreet (Ward 1), Jessica (Ward 4), Manisha (Ward 7), Pratigya (Ward 8), and Srishti (Ward 9) were elected unopposed.

Deputy Commissioner Mandeep Kaur, the chief guest at the event, handed over certificates to the elected members and also planted a tree on the occasion of Earth Day, spreading a message about environmental protection.

She shared that the initiative was a pilot project and similar girls’ panchayats would soon be started at every village in the district. The aim is to promote the values of “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, gender equality and encourage leadership in young girls.

Although these girls’ panchayats won’t have official powers, they will participate in gram sabha meetings and share their suggestions on key issues such as education, health, safety, sanitation and equal rights. The members will also receive training in leadership and governance.

Zila Parishad Chairperson Suman Khichar said the step would empower girls and bring positive change to the Panchayati Raj system. “When girls get involved in leadership from a young age, they grow up confident and capable of taking independent decisions for their community,” she added.

The event was attended by several officials, school staff and local villagers who appreciated the initiative and showed upport for the new girl leaders of Barseen.