Panchayat sets fixed amount to be paid to eunuchs

A gram panchayat in Hamirpur district has set a fixed amount to be paid to eunuchs on various occasions following complaints of extortion.

Daruhi panchayat pradhan Usha Birla said on Tuesday that the decision was taken in the gram sabha (meeting). She added that a few villagers complained to the panchayat members that eunuchs were extorting money and people, who were unable to pay the demanded amount, were being harassed.

The gram panchayat after hearing the complaints set a fixed amount that the eunuchs could demand from people on the occasions of marriage and child birth, she added, Usha said that the panchayat would take action against the eunuchs who do not accept the fixed amount.

Usha said that it was also decided at the meeting that no hawkers would be allowed in the village without the panchayat’s permission. She warned that the panchayat along with the police would take strict action against people who were caught dealing in drugs or gambling.

Daruhi panchayat is located on the Hamirpur-Dharamsala national highway. The village is surrounded by forests and is in close proximity to Hamirpur town, and hence is frequented by drug addicts, according to locals.