'Mahila chaupal' initiative to be rolled out on April 24

To fulfil its commitment of setting up 'mahila chaupals' in all villages of the state, the government is all set to announce the rollout of the first phase of 754 such 'chaupals', with a budget of over Rs 18 crore.

The announcement is likely to be made at the first-ever National Panchayati Raj Day programme to be organised at Tau Devi Lal stadium in Panchkula on April 24. As many as 6,000 elected representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions (gram panchayats, panchayat samitis, zila parishads) will attend the programme.

Among other things, PM Narendra Modi’s address on the occasion — the national-level programme will be held in Madhubani, Bihar — will be telecast live.

In the first phase, villages with existing buildings have been considered for the 'chaupals', which will provide women an exclusive place to gather and unwind. The 'chaupals' will also have Mahila Sanskritik Kendras to provide recreational facilities, including singing, dancing and other activities.

Sources said a field survey was carried out to identify buildings available for opening the 'chaupals'. “There were existing buildings meant for mahila chaupals that were never used, and buildings meant to be used for recreational activities. The survey identified other available buildings with the panchayat that could be repaired and used for the purpose,” the sources said.

An officer associated with the programme said CM Nayab Singh Saini wanted to empower rural women. “The government has already introduced 50% reservation for women in the three-tier Panchayati Raj institutions. This will bring them out of their homes,” he said, adding that the sarpanches would be given the task of fast-tracking the rollout.

Haryana already has over a 100 'mahila chaupals', which, under this initiative, will be made more vibrant.

In the recent Budget, Saini, holding the Finance portfolio, had said 754 villages would get 'chaupals' in the first phase, and over 600 buildings, which had remained incomplete, would be completed and put to use. The government has set aside an allocation of Rs 64 crore for the purpose.