The State Women Panchayat Representatives’ Association (SWORA), initiated by the National Alliance of Women (NAWO), Odisha Chapter on Friday demanded immediate revocation of the two-child norm imposed by the State Government on panchayat representatives.
Association president Sakuntala Haripal told reporters here that the two-child norm of the Government has debarred many efficient people, including women from contesting panchayat polls. She maintained that a woman has no right to say in a family, particularly in Odessa, that how many children she would have.
“Our organisation is trying hard to build women leadership. Due to our effort in 2012 three-tire panchayat elections more than 66 per cent women representatives get elected in Odisha. In fact two panchayats namely Kalakleswar and Jaripada in Chilika block of Khordha district became all women panchayat,” said Haripal.
She demanded that the State Government immediately scrap the law. “The law has a delirious impact on the female family members of sarpanches,” she maintained. “Our target is to ensure participation of women in all seats. We urge the Government to revoke the anti-people law in order to facilitate more participation of capable people particularly women,” added Haripal. The association having 750 members also shared its achievements and challenges with the media.