In Panipat MC, it’s all about women power
BESIDES A WOMAN MAYOR, THE MC HOUSE HAS OVER A DOZEN WOMEN COUNCILLORS— 2 OF THEM WON FROM NON-RESERVED SEATS
KARNAL: Besides a woman mayor, the newly elected MC house in Panipat, which has over a dozen woman councillors, is sending out a strong message of women empowerment.
What’s more, women also hold the top bureaucratic positions in this district with Panipat deputy commissioner Sumedha Kataria and Panipat municipal corporation chief Priyanka Sonia at the helm of affairs.
Though the mayoral seat was reserved for women (OBC) candidates, there are 11 other elected women councillors in the House. Two of them—chanchal Sehgal and Komal Saini— have won the election from non-reserved seats and defeated male candidates.
Speaking to Hindustan Times a day after her victory, the newly elected mayor, Avneet Kaur, said, women’s safety would be her top priority. “I will get a mobile app for women on the pattern of Durga Shakti app of Haryana police to enable women to raise their voice against crime,” said the 25-year-old commerce graduate.
The eldest daughter of former mayor Bhupinder Singh,who had to step down after he lost a no-confidence motion moved in the municipal house in May 2015, Avneet says she will carry forward the development works of her father.
She adds that with other women in positions of power in the district, it would be great experience to work with them.
Panipat MC commissioner Priyanka Soni echoes her views. “It would a good experience to see more women in the house and they have proved themselves by ensuring their win,” said Soni.
Panipat deputy commissioner Sumedha Kataria said, “Not just women, but educated, aware, and pro-active women on the forefront can definitely be the harbingers of positive change.”