Jind village bans liquor use in panchayat polls

JIND: While the stage is set for the panchayat poll, the move to impose a ban on illegal supply of liquor during the election time has united all the sections of society living in Ramkali village of Haryana’s Jind district.
Since the code of conduct came into force, Ramkali residents, including women, started “theekri pehra” at every corner of the village to ensure a complete ban on the distribution of liquor and money to lure the voters. The panchayat elections are scheduled to be held on Wednesday
Also, candidates in the fray for sarpanch’s election in Ramkali village are going easy as compared to their counterparts in other villages of the district, who could be seen slogging in the afternoon sun to garner support.
There are 1900 odd voters in Ramkali village and four people are contesting for the post of sarpanch. The village is 20km from the district headquarters and falls under the Julana constituency. Once notorious for criminal activities and criminals, the village is now setting an example by uniting people from different sections of society to curb the unfair means during panchayat elections.
TOI visited the village on Monday night and observed that people were in streets, not for seeking votes, but to keep a vigil on unethical practices. Women in groups were seen sitting outside till 10pm, while the youth guarded the streets till midnight. Women also sang Haryanvi songs and discussed the positive outcome of the ban.
Youths from different castes have formed two organisations in the village – Bhim Rao Ambedkar Seva Samiti and Azad Yuva Sangathan. Members of these organisations carry out a joint patrol in the village and they can be seen eating together. All had food together in this period, which has brought us closer, said Karmjit, a prominent member of the Ambedkar Seva Samiti and a retired BSF trooper.
Surender Mor, former sarpanch of the village, told the TOI that women raised the demand of banning liquor vendors in the village around four years ago, following which the panchayat passed a resolution and never allowed a liquor shop in the area. A positive change can be seen now.