The Hindu : National : Norwegian delegation visits women panchayat in Haryana

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Wednesday, Oct 31, 2007
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Norwegian delegation visits women panchayat in Haryana

Manisha Jha

MEWAT: To get a glimpse of the functioning of a women panchayat in Haryana and have a meaningful interaction, a Norwegian delegation including Norwegian Minster for Local Government and Regional Development Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa visited Neemkheda village in the Mewat district of Haryana on Tuesday. The function was organised as part of a three-day programme organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj during Ms. Kleppa’s visit to India.

Residents of Neemkheda village, said to be the first village in Haryana to elect an all women gram panchayat, welcomed the delegates by organising a cultural show showcasing Haryana’s traditional songs and dance. A guard of honour was also presented to Ms. Kleppa by the Haryana police.

Elaborating on her background, Ms. Kleppa said: “The first women panchayat was elected in Norway 82 years ago. I too began my political career first as an elected representative from my village in Norway in the 1970s and along the way I have come to learn that women too matter in dealing with local problems and they care more about social issues than men do.”

“Women being gifted with the ability to balance home and work are capable of bringing about a change in society and for this attitude of men towards them must change and they should be more understanding and supportive,” she added.

Ms. Kleppa hoped that just as the history of the first elected women panchayat is still relevant in Norway, similarly Neemkheda too is making history and showing the way for others in its own way.

As a token of their gratitude, the delegates led by Ms. Kleppa presented an impromptu song in Norwegian language for the villagers and they also presented them a book on Norway along with a music disc comprising Norwegan songs.

Ms. Kleppa said: “The song we have presented before you talks about a bird and just as a bird is said to be an optimistic, let us too be optimistic about the future.”

“Panchayats in India and local municipal councils in Norway face similar challenges such as children’s education and women’s health and so we hope to continue dialogue between the two countries on how to strengthen such local bodies,” she added.

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