Traces of 'jogini' system in Telangana's Narayanpet, sarpanches told to keep check

HYDERABAD: The pernicious practice of pushing a woman to become a ‘jogini’ which results in sexual exploitation, it appears, has not been completely eradicated in the state.
SC/ST commission chairman Errolla Srinivas who visited Dhanyada mandal in Narayanpet district on Wednesday expressed shock and surprise on learning that ‘joginis’, who were as young as 20 years, were among the victims.
“In this age, what we call internet age, and despite many laws and strong enforcement, it is said that 'jogini' system is still being carried on. This cannot be tolerated,” he said. Errolla Srinivas who went there specifically to enquire and find out about the exploitation said that it would be the responsibility of every village sarpanch to report if the practice is being carried out in their village. “It may be happening openly or kept under wraps for others but the sarpanch should ought to know about the goings on as he lives in the village. He should report the matter to the authorities and the police,” he said.
In the ‘jogini system’, a young girl, or sometimes even a child, is dedicated to a village deity by the local influential people. The victim is sexually exploited by that person and also other villagers as the victim remains unmarried.
Errolla Srinivas said the government was implementing schemes for the welfare of rehabilitated joginis and banks are also supposed to give them loans. “I have come to know that some banks are not even allowing them to step inside the premises. Strong action will be initiated against such banks,” he said.
The children of ‘joginis’ are also subjected to insult and looked down upon, he said. “The children are asked for their father’s name or grandparents names. Anyone who poses such questions to the children will have to face action and punishment,” he said.