Two child norm for Panch, Sarpanch abolished

Chandigarh, July 21 (UNI) In a significant decision, the Haryana government today abolished the two-child norm for becoming a Panch, Sarpanch or a member of a Panchayat Samiti or Zila Parishad.

An official spokesman said it was felt that the imposition of the two-child norm resulted in social distortions among the affected persons such as giving children in adoption, forced abortion and non-registration of births.

In a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, it was decided to promulgate an ordinance to amend the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, which bars any person having more than two living children from becoming or continuing as Panch, Sarpanch or a member of a Panchayat Samiti or Zila Parishad.

The ordinance will amend the Section 175(q) of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, retrospectively with effect from January 1, 2005 to omit the Section altogether, an official spokesman said.

As the Assembly is not in session, it was decided to promulgate an ordinance to amend the Act.

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