Dehradun: In Uttarakhand, women will be given preference to become ‘Gram Prahari” (village guards). The police believe that women are more sensitive than men and they can do better work to solve the problems of the villages. The police are under plan to prepare a detailed proposal regarding the placement of women as ‘Gram Prahari”. The plan will also promote women empowerment at ground level.
The woman “Gram Prahari” will be in constant touch with the police station and the police outpost concerned. They will immediately inform the police about any incident in this village.
They will play a major role in checking liquor smuggling and other addictions in hill districts
Apart from the cities, liquor smuggling and Ganja addiction are increasing in different hill districts. Men of late clash with women after consuming liquor. Due to lack of knowledge, women avoid making complaints regarding such incidents.
Mahila Mangal Dal losing its existence gradually
Earlier, Mahila Mangal Dal, which exists at the village-level, was very active and used to raise its voice against any incident regarding the women’s exploitations. However, the Mahila Mangal Dal is gradually losing its existence. The selection of women as “Gram Prahari” will be a good step to address this problem also.
The system of village guards is in existence since British days
The system of “village guards” has been continuing since the British days in Uttarakhand. Village guards, who are now referred to as “Gram Prahari” in modern times, are mainly tasked with communicating to the villagers about the government schemes. Other information is also given to the villagers through the village guards.
Gram Praharies are the main link between the government and the village
“Gram Praharies” are the main link between the state government and the villages. In the Garhwal region, the number of “Gram Prahari” is 3241. They are given an honorarium of Rs 2000. The state government is also under plan to increase their honorarium. “Gram Prahari” keep on informing the police about any incident of crime and other activities to the police station of their areas concerned. They are supposed to keep a close eye on different activities in their areas concerned.
