Roorkee village sets example with payment caps for eunuchs, sparks debate on social impact

Monday, 19 AUGUST 2024 | PURNIMA BISHT | DEHRADUN.

A Gram Panchayat in Roorkee has set an example for other municipal bodies and members of society by limiting the amount of money sought by eunuchs visiting the village during special occasions like weddings or childbirth. The Gram Panchayat of Mehwad Khurd village in Roorkee, Haridwar district, recently passed a resolution that mandated that the amount of money given as a gift to eunuchs visiting the village will now be limited to Rs 1,100, Rs 2,100, or Rs 3,100. This decision was taken in response to longstanding concerns of villagers who often felt pressurised to pay large sums of money to eunuchs during auspicious occasions. The decision aims to prevent extortion and alleviate the financial burden on families while ensuring that the eunuch community, which largely earns its livelihood in this manner, is fairly compensated. A stern warning has also been issued alongside the resolution, stating that strict action will be taken if any eunuch demands more than the stipulated amount. The Gram Panchayat officials have also put up a board in the village to publicise the decision. This move has been appreciated not just by villagers but several people across the State. The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) had also brought a similar proposal in a board meeting about four years ago to limit the amount given to eunuchs during special occasions but nothing concrete was done in this regard. However, many people have expressed their support for the initiative taken by the villagers, believing it will ensure that families are not forced to pay amounts they cannot afford. The fear of a eunuch’s curses, believed by some to be powerful, often compels people to go to great lengths to meet their demands, even when it amounts to extortion. A housewife from Dehradun, Mamta Joshi shared her experience stating, “After my son’s wedding, a group of eunuchs demanded Rs 80,000, which I simply could not afford. Despite my pleas, they did not budge for hours. They even created a scene and threatened to curse my newlywed son and daughter-in-law. I eventually gave them Rs 30,000 and a sack of rice, but they said they would return when my grandchild is born. I felt helpless. Considering this, fixing a certain amount to pay them is a commendable move in my opinion. This should be done here as well.” Similarly, a senior citizen, Bharat Rana from Haridwar recounted his own experience. “During my son’s wedding in 2022, I gave five eunuchs a total of Rs 50,000 as they demanded, but when they demanded the same amount at my daughter’s wedding, I couldn’t afford it. Fortunately, they were okay with it, but it would have been easier and less stressful if there had been a fixed amount to be paid on such occasions.” This new regulation in the Roorkee village is being seen as a balanced solution by many that respects the traditions of both the eunuchs and the locals, ensuring fairness and reducing the financial strain on families during important events. As word of this initiative spreads, many hope that candidates for other local bodies and Panchayats in Uttarakhand will support such measures to benefit their communities especially as the local body elections are to be held soon. However, some people are completely against this practice of giving money to eunuchs in the name of a gift. 
They believe that this tradition is detrimental to society and the eunuch community too. Geeta Joshi, a banker from Rudrapur, expressed her concerns, stating, “Fixing a certain amount of money to be given to eunuchs on special occasions can make life easier for the local people, but in the long run, it only pushes the eunuchs backwards. Why even validate this practice by limiting the amount? People should learn to say no to such practices. Local communities should work for the welfare of eunuchs rather than validating and encouraging this tradition.”