JIND: In a first in

, Khera

of

has decided not use caste as surname to do away with the caste system. This was announced after a meeting of khap that was held in Bhushla village on Saturday.

Khera khap comprises 24 villages of Uchana town, including major villages like Nagura,

, Badhana, Karsindhu, Barsola and Mohan Garh Chapra.

Talking to TOI, Satbir Pahalwan, a native of Barsola village and head of the khap, said: “For some years’ now, caste has been inflaming hatred and the society seems divided. Therefore, we have decided that no one from these 24 villages would use caste as surname. If they want, they could use village name instead of caste.”

Pahalwan stated that when people used caste as surname, they are already judged by the society even before they are given a chance to prove themselves. According to him, khera khap hopes to mend the social fabric by its decision.

“Our khap has already banned food served after death and decided to skip grandmother’s gotra, as men are find it difficult to get married. We also reduced days of grief after death from 13 to 7 and banned DJs in weddings,” added Pahalwan.

Talking to TOI, Udayveer Barsola, a khap member, said “A committee would be made to take this measure further to the people of the villages, making sure that this system is completely eradicated.”