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Soundala Village in Maharashtra Declares Itself ‘Caste‑Free’
Why in News?
The gram sabha of Soundala village in Maharashtra unanimously passed a resolution to become a ‘caste‑free’ village, aiming to end caste‑based discrimination and promote equality among all residents.
Key Points:
- Resolution: The village gram sabha adopted a resolution stating that “there will be no discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, creed, or race” and that the motto “My religion humanity” would be followed by all villagers.
- Under the resolution, public places, government services, water sources, temples, crematoriums, schools, and community events will be open to all residents without discrimination.
- The village has a history of progressive measures, including earlier resolutions promoting widow remarriage and banning degrading language against women.
- Community Support: The move was led by Sarpanch Sharad Argade, with villagers collectively voting in favour of the resolution as a preventive measure against caste hatred spreading to their community.
- Role Model for Other Villages: Soundala’s initiative provides a model for grassroots social reform that other villages can adopt to tackle caste-based discrimination proactively.
- Significance: By declaring itself caste‑free, the village seeks to cultivate communal harmony and mitigate rising caste tensions elsewhere.
- The resolution reinforces the Constitutional values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
| Read More: Caste‑based discrimination, Constitutional values |
