Empowering Villages: Maharashtra's Initiative for Human Rights Awareness

Maharashtra is poised to establish village-level Human Rights Protection Committees, aiming to raise awareness and prevent violations. This initiative, championed by social activist Pramod Zinjade, seeks backing from gram sabhas across the state.

The proposed Gramin Manav Adhikar Sanrakshan Samiti will be chaired by local women or female police officers and staffed by educated individuals from marginalized communities. The committees will spearhead educational campaigns and awareness drives, engaging villagers through various activities such as competitions, street plays, and expert talks to emphasize human rights understanding.

These panels will play a supportive role in addressing human rights violations, helping victims lodge complaints, and escalating unresolved issues to State or National Human Rights Commissions. This endeavor signifies a significant step toward enhanced community involvement in safeguarding rights, with a special focus on empowering women and marginalized groups in rural Maharashtra.

(With inputs from agencies.)