Balika Panchayat Initiative

June 18, 2022

India’s first-ever girl Panchayat, called “Balika Panchayat”, was started in several villages of Kutch district in Gujarat.

About Balika Panchayat Initiative

The Balika Panchayat Initiative was started with the aim of promoting social and political development of girls as well as ensure active participation of girls in politics.

Which department started this initiative?

The Balika Panchayat initiative was started by the Women and Child Development Welfare department of Gujarat Government. It was launched under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign.

Which district of Gujarat will benefit?

Currently, this initiative has been started in Kunaria, Motagua, Maska, and Vadsar villages of the Kutch district of Gujarat. Women and Child Development Ministry is planning to start girl panchayat across India.

Who manages the Balika Panchayat?

“Balika Panchayat” is managed by people aged 11-21 years.

Objectives of Balika Panchayat

Main objective of the Balika Panchayat is to promote social and political development of girl child. It also seeks to remove evil practices like child marriage and dowry system from society. It aims for girls to get their nominations done in decision-making process in Panchayat. It seeks to make girls active in politics since childhood.

Sarpanch of Balika Panchayat

20-year-old Urmi Ahir has been named the sarpanch of Balika Panchayat.

Nomination of member in Balika Panchayat

The member of Balika Panchayat is nominated just like Gram panchayat.

Background

Last year, Kunariya village of Kutch district had come out with a unique idea to hold Balika Panchayat. First-ever elections of the Balika Panchayat were held successfully. It was inspired by TV series, Balika Vadhu and rolled with the aim of developing leadership qualities among girls for Future Panchayat polls. Females aged 10 to 21 years contested elections.

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