Kaliraman Khap steps up social reform efforts

Stepping up its campaign on various social issues, the Kaliraman Khap, which launched a drive against organising feasts on death of elder persons in about 70 Haryana villages, has now vowed to embark on the campaign for women empowerment through the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, tree plantation and water conservation.

The Kaliraman Khap Panchayat in its meeting held at Sisay village, one of the biggest villages of the khap, recently took decision to divert its energy on the three issues stating that the khap could play a vital role in efforts towards the welfare of society.

Khap pradhan Karambir Kaliraman stated that the khap was working to raise awareness against social evils. He called on the members of the society to help eliminate social evils from the roots by spreading awareness among people and actively participating in such initiatives. He said the khap had already formed samajik kupratha nished abhiyan committees in a number of villages which had been doing excellent work. “Now, these committees will work on the three issues – for women empowerment, tree plantation and water conservation which were discussed at the meeting,” he said.

Khap leader Virender Sandwa, who served as the national president of the khap in previous term said their drive to spread awareness among people against organising feasts on the death of elder persons which was putting unnecessary financial burden on the families had been quite successful in about 70 villages of the khap panchayat.

He said the samajik kupratha nished abhiyan committee had involved people from all castes and communities which were set up village wise about five years ago. He claimed that the committees were able to discourage people from organising feasts. In the Bhiwani villages like Sandwa, Sanewala, Hassan, Bushan, Devawas, Iswarwal, Rodha, the khap committees have played a vital role for ushering in social reform”, he said.

Kulbir pradhan, committee at Bushan villages said there were about 15 members in the committee who were not only regularing interacting with the villagers by holding small meetings but also proving a deterrent for the villages who wanted to organise the feasts or even against drug abuse. “The committee members comprise from a diverse section of the village society who draw respect in the village,” he said.

Addressing the khap meeting, the chairperson of the Hisar zila parishad, Sonu Data, said that the traditions of khap panchayats was being followed for centuries which conveyed the message of brotherhood. “Khap panchayats have always worked to unite society. Their role in building social harmony is significant,” he said. The chairperson also laid the foundation stone for the main gate of the Khap Bhawan at Sisay village.

On the occasion, khap coordinator Ramswaroop, former pradhans of the Kaliraman khap, including Sajjan Sisay and Virender Sandwa, khap general secretary Umed Singh, treasurer captain Sube Singh, former general secretary Ajit Sisai and others were present.