by FATHER ROLVIN D'MELLO
JALNA, JULY 8, 2017: A self-help group (SHG) run by Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK), a Don Bosco institute in Dhoksal village, Jalna succeeded in prompting the local administration in banning the illicit sale of liquor in the village in a bid to stop cases of domestic violence and abuse.
The women were part of the SHG for the last six years and participated in rural development projects run by BGVK in 60 villages of the region. Under the guidance of Rekha Shirgole, project coordinator of BGVK in Jalna, an application was drafted and submitted to the taluka police station.
The women along with the village Sarpanch took a morcha (protest) to the police station on July 5. The application to ban liquor was accepted by the Sarpanch and immediately action was taken the very next day to stop liquor sale in the village.
For the last eight years, two liquor shops situated in the vicinity, provided liquor to patrons, who in an inebriated state resorted to domestic violence. Young girls and women found it extremely difficult to frequent schools and colleges due to the liquor-fuelled harassment. During the meeting of the Don Bosco managed SHG the issue was discussed and immediately the action to ban the sale of the liquor in the village was taken up.