No 'maa-behen' abuses in this Indian village, offenders will be fined heavily

A village in Maharashtra has decided to impose a Rs 500 fine on anyone using abusive language referring to someone’s mother or sister. The decision was taken by the gram panchayat of Kolgaon village in the Ahilyanagar district during a special women’s gram sabha held on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

The initiative aims to discourage derogatory language and encourage a more respectful atmosphere within the community.

Kolgaon Gram Sabha Passes Resolution Against Abusive Language

As per a TOI report, the resolution was passed in Kolgaon village in Shrigonda taluka of Ahilyanagar, which has a population of around 9,000 people and largely depends on agriculture.


According to village sarpanch Purushottam Lagad, the idea emerged during a felicitation programme organised to honour women achievers in the village.

During the event, Puja Jagtap, a self-help group member from an agricultural family, proposed that action should be taken against villagers who casually use offensive expressions involving someone’s mother or sister.

The suggestion led to a discussion among villagers, after which the gram sabha approved the proposal to impose a fine.

Kolgaon Rule: Rs 500 Fine Only With Digital Evidence

To avoid misuse of the rule, the gram panchayat has clarified that a fine will only be imposed if digital evidence is provided.

Villagers can submit audio or video recordings to the panchayat as proof if someone is heard using abusive language. After verification, the offender will be required to pay the Rs 500 penalty.

Authorities also encouraged women in the village, and, if needed, their children, to help identify offenders.

The fines collected will be used for village development activities, according to local officials.

Why Kolgaon Decided to Act Against ‘Maa-Behen’ Abuses

Explaining the idea behind the proposal, Puja Jagtap said that insulting people by referring to their mother or sister has become extremely common in everyday conversations.

She pointed out that girls grow up to become women who take on important responsibilities within families and society, and their identities should not be reduced to insults used casually in arguments.

The rule aims to challenge the normalisation of such language.

Kolgaon Also Introduces Rs 100 Fine for Cleanliness Violations

During the same gram sabha, another resolution was passed related to cleanliness.

Residents have been asked to maintain clean surroundings around their homes and shops. Anyone found violating the rule can be fined Rs 100, provided photographic evidence is submitted to the gram panchayat.

Kolgaon’s Earlier Initiative: No TV or Mobile During Study Hours

Kolgaon has previously introduced community rules aimed at encouraging discipline.

For the past year, the village has followed a resolution under which children study from 7 pm to 9 pm without television or mobile phone usage at home. Parents also follow the rule to ensure a quiet study environment for students.


Inputs from agencies