Ahilyanagar, February 12 The gram sabha of Saundala in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar district has unanimously passed a resolution declaring the village "caste-free" in order to eliminate discrimination, untouchability, and social injustice, according to those associated with the move, who made the announcement on Thursday.
According to an official resolution dated February 5, a meeting of the gram panchayat was held under the chairmanship of the sarpanch, where members engaged in a detailed discussion on creating a humanitarian and socially just system based on the principles of equality, brotherhood, and social justice as enshrined in the Constitution.
The resolution stated that there will be no discrimination in Saundala, a village in Newasa taluka, based on caste, religion, creed, or lineage, and that all residents will be treated as equals.
"The villagers collectively resolved to adopt the sentiment of 'My caste – Human'. All public places and facilities, including government services, water sources, temples, cremation grounds, schools, and social functions, will remain open to all residents without discrimination," the resolution stated.
The gram sabha also resolved that no villager would post or promote any content that leads to untouchability, social boycott, or social injustice, adding that necessary action would be taken in case of violations.
The move has been inspired by the ideals of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, and Mahatma Gandhi, it said.
The resolution, which acknowledged the guidance and inspiration provided by social activist Pramod Zinjhade for the initiative, was proposed by Sharad Baburao Aragade and seconded by Babasaheb Machchindra Bodhak. It has been forwarded to the state government for noting and further action.
"The resolution, titled 'Caste-Free Village', emphasizes the need to eliminate caste-based discrimination and encourage unity within the community. It calls upon villagers to work collectively towards social integration and equal treatment for all, irrespective of caste. The move is intended to strengthen brotherhood, reduce social divisions, and set an example for other villages to follow," sarpanch Argade told PTI.
The resolution will help foster an inclusive environment and reinforce constitutional values of equality and social justice, he added.
"The poison of caste discrimination is deeply ingrained in rural areas, and we hope it doesn't reach our village. Untouchability in public places is rampant, and our village has decided to take steps against it. Even social media posts on the issue of caste will be under scrutiny. We will take action on complaints received or even suo motu," Argade emphasised.
Earlier, the village had passed a resolution against discriminatory customs related to widows and had also imposed a fine for using expletives centered around mothers and sisters.
The village has seen one widow remarriage, and 13 people have been fined Rs 500 for using abusive words, Argade said, highlighting the changes these resolutions have triggered.
To implement these resolutions, the village, with a population of 25,000, has installed CCTV cameras at several spots, he pointed out.
The village's primary sources of income are sugarcane cultivation and milk production, he said.