Women
Panchayat Members - POLITY
NEWS: Recently, the panel on
the Ministry of Panchayati Raj identified several reasons why male
relatives of elected women representatives in the Panchayati Raj System are
able to act as proxies on their behalf.
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
The introduction
of women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through the 73rd
Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, was a groundbreaking step toward achieving
gender equality in India’s political framework. This amendment mandated that
one-third of all seats in panchayats, including the positions of chairpersons,
be reserved exclusively for women. This historic provision enabled women to
actively participate in grassroots governance, thereby increasing their
visibility in the political domain. Over the years, several state governments
have taken progressive steps by extending this reservation to 50%, leading to a
remarkable increase in the number of elected women representatives (EWRs) in
PRIs, which currently exceeds 1.45 million.
Key Challenges Faced by Women
Panchayat Members
Despite the
numerical increase in women’s representation in local governance, several
socio-cultural and structural barriers hinder their effective participation in
decision-making processes.
1. Patriarchal Mindset and Sarpanch
Pati Syndrome
One of the most
significant challenges faced by women panchayat members is the deeply
entrenched patriarchal mindset in Indian society. In many cases, even though
women are elected as sarpanches (village heads), real decision-making power
remains with their male family members, such as husbands, fathers, or brothers.
This practice, often referred to as the ‘Sarpanch Pati Syndrome’, is
widespread in states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. Here, male
relatives act as de facto decision-makers, reducing elected women
representatives to mere figureheads. This not only undermines the purpose of
women’s political empowerment but also reinforces traditional gender
hierarchies in rural governance structures.
2. Lack of Political Training and
Awareness
Many women
entering politics, particularly at the grassroots level, have limited prior
exposure to governance structures, financial planning, and policy
implementation. The absence of formal training in administrative processes,
budgeting, and legal frameworks restricts their ability to function
independently. As a result, many EWRs remain dependent on male counterparts or
bureaucrats to execute their official responsibilities. This lack of awareness
not only weakens their leadership capacity but also limits their ability to
advocate effectively for policies that benefit their constituencies, especially
in areas concerning women’s welfare and social development.
3. Resistance from Bureaucracy and
Male Counterparts
Women panchayat
members frequently encounter resistance from bureaucrats and male politicians,
who often dismiss their leadership capabilities. Many bureaucratic officials
fail to take women leaders seriously, assuming that they lack competence or
decision-making skills. This bias results in unnecessary delays in fund
allocation, inadequate support for policy implementation, and reluctance to
involve women in crucial governance matters. Such systemic challenges reduce
the impact of women-led governance and discourage female participation in
political processes.
4. Financial Dependence and Lack of
Economic Empowerment
Economic
independence plays a crucial role in strengthening women’s political
participation. However, in rural areas, most women remain financially dependent
on their male family members, which limits their ability to function
autonomously in political roles. Additionally, limited access to financial
resources, micro-credit schemes, and independent income-generating
opportunities further constrains their decision-making power. Without economic
empowerment, women sarpanches and panchayat members often struggle to assert
their authority in governance matters.
5. Gender-Based Violence and Threats
Women in
politics, especially in rural areas, are highly vulnerable to various forms of
gender-based violence, including intimidation, verbal abuse, and even physical
assault. Many women panchayat leaders face direct threats from opposing male
politicians or dominant caste groups who seek to undermine their authority. In
some extreme cases, women are coerced into resigning from their positions under
pressure from family or political adversaries. The fear of harassment and
violence discourages many women from taking an active role in governance.
6. Dual Burden of Work and Household
Responsibilities
Unlike their male
counterparts, women panchayat leaders face the additional burden of managing
household responsibilities alongside their official duties. Societal
expectations continue to place the responsibility of domestic chores,
childcare, and agricultural work on women, leaving them with limited time to
focus on governance-related activities. This dual burden reduces their
efficiency and restricts their ability to actively engage in policymaking and
developmental initiatives.
7. Social and Caste-Based
Discrimination
Women from
marginalized communities, such as Dalits, Adivasis, and Other Backward Classes
(OBCs), face intersectional discrimination that compounds their struggles in
political spaces. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana, such women
experience additional barriers, including exclusion from decision-making
processes, caste-based violence, and social stigma. This discrimination
prevents them from fully exercising their rights and performing their duties
effectively.
Benefits of Strengthening Elected
Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj
1. Improved
Governance and Policy Implementation
Empowered women
leaders have proven to be more effective in addressing community issues and
implementing welfare schemes. For instance, in Kerala’s Kudumbashree
program, women-led panchayats played a crucial role in implementing poverty
alleviation programs and social welfare initiatives, leading to notable
improvements in rural development.
2. Increased
Representation and Gender-Responsive Policies
Women leaders
bring a gender-sensitive approach to governance, focusing on issues such as
health, education, sanitation, and safety. In Nagaland, for example, women-led
panchayats have actively worked to reduce gender-based violence and improve
maternal healthcare services, addressing concerns that were previously
overlooked in male-dominated governance.
3. Financial
Independence through Economic Initiatives
In Bihar, elected
women representatives have successfully implemented micro-loan schemes for
women entrepreneurs, thereby boosting rural employment and enhancing financial
security for women. Such initiatives contribute to women’s long-term economic
empowerment and strengthen their decision-making capabilities.
4. Reduction
of Proxy Representation (Sarpanch Pati Syndrome)
Efforts to train
women leaders in governance and administration have helped reduce instances of
male relatives controlling panchayat decisions. For example, in Rajasthan,
leadership training programs for EWRs have significantly decreased the
influence of Sarpanch Patis, allowing women to exercise real authority
in local governance.
Key Initiatives Strengthening Women’s
Participation in Panchayats
Way Forward: Strengthening Women’s
Political Participation
Conclusion
Although women
panchayat members have made notable progress in political representation,
systemic barriers continue to restrict their full participation in governance.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including legal
reforms, leadership training, gender sensitization, financial empowerment, and
community support. By ensuring that women leaders are empowered and protected,
India can move closer to achieving true gender equality and inclusive
development in governance.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/officials-norms-home-women-panchayats-9861720/