Maharashtra village sets ₹500 fine for using 'maa-behen' slurs
Kolgaon village in Maharashtra just set a ₹500 fine for anyone caught using maa-behen (mother-sister) slurs.
The rule was passed on Sunday, March 8, 2026 (on International Women's Day) at a women's gram sabha, thanks to Puja Jagtap, who wanted to tackle everyday disrespect toward women.
The move aims to make people think twice before using casual insults that target women.
Only digital proof will be accepted
The proposal got unanimous support from the village meeting, led by anganwadi worker Shakuntala Deshmukh.
Puja Jagtap said these insults aren't just words: they show deep disrespect for women who hold families together.
Only cases with digital proof will be fined, so the rule isn't misused.
Women, kids can report offenders
Women and kids can report offenders, and all collected fines go back into community development projects.
Kolgaon also introduced a ₹100 fine for dirty homes or shops (with photo evidence), plus an existing rule requiring children to study from 7 to 9pm without television or mobile phone use at home, a rule parents also follow.
Similar step taken in Saundala village
Kolgaon's step follows Saundala village's similar ban.
Both villages are showing how rural communities can push back against normalized sexism, one fine at a time.