Khap Panchayat

Khap Panchayattradition v/s modrenity

Group -1

Anamika Pavendra Priyank Richa

What is Khap ??? System of social administration.

Cluster of villages united by caste and geography.

Started by upper caste jats to consolidate their power and position.

The main rule is that all boys and girls within a khap are considered siblings.

Continued It governs the khap formed by same gotra (clan)

families from several neighbouring villages.

Prevalent in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and in parts of Rajasthan.

Khap panchyat imposes its writ through social boycotts and fines and in most cases end up either killing or forcing the victims to commit suicide.

Continued Two people belonging to the same gotra or two people

belonging to a different gotra but falling under the jurisdiction of the same Khap panchayat cannot get married. Such a marriage is considered incestuous.

This is because members of the clan share the same

patrilineal descent.

They have emerged as quasi-judicial bodies that pronounce harsh punishments based on age-old customs.

Duties of Khap

To bring them at par in matters of opportunities,

jobs, education and economic growth with the urban areas.

It brings people of the same caste together who decide to reside peacefully.

History of Khap

The existence and role of the Khap panchayats was

first recognised during the Mughal period in clearer terms.

Akbar granted freedom to the Khaps in matters of religion and internal administration.

Categories of Panchayats

PanchayatSarva Khap Panchayat Khap Panchayat Tappa Khap Panchayat

Traditional v/s Modern

Traditional Approach

They provided a secured living for people of the same clan and upliftment of the society.

They were expected to ensure a high level of justice, fair play and efficiency, in the absence of which the panchayats could not command respect from the villagers.

Continued

Whenever, there is a dispute, the panchayat is

asked to settle it.

The decision which is considered best under the prevailing circumstances is rendered. This decision is binding on both the parties.

Position of women

Women are not allowed to be representatives

even when crimes are committed against women.

They are considered inferior to men, next only to untouchables and scheduled castes in traditional Khap panchayats

Does India still need Khap Panchayats

Modern Approach

Rights of individual is not respected.

Rights of liberty, dignity, freedom to choose own life partner are jeopardised.

Women are abused and their issues are never addressed.

Most of the Khap rules are against law.

Continued

Khap panchayats have failed to take measures for social upliftment.

Lack of adequate representation of women at the decision making level.

Khap panchayat had issued a diktat that women will not be allowed to carry cell phones and they cannot visit the market place.

Does India really need Khap Panchayats

No, because younger generations become exposed to more modern ideas.

Bannes and Cases Women cannot visit market place and cannot keep

cellphone.

Boy and girl from the same clan or village cannot marry each other.

Love marriages are not allowed.

Ban on listening Justin Bieber songs etc.

Conclusion

The purpose got lost.

In reality, they only have the power to form self governments and uplift the rural areas.

References

www.wikipedia.org

www.azadindia.org

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