- 19-Apr-2025
- Healthcare and Medical Malpractice
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 marks a significant step in ensuring women’s representation and empowerment in local governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This landmark amendment introduced reservation for women in Panchayats and municipalities, aiming to increase female political participation at the grassroots level and facilitate their active role in decision-making processes concerning local governance.
33% of seats in Panchayats (village, intermediate, and district levels) are reserved for women. This includes direct elections for women representatives, thereby ensuring their representation in the election process at all levels of governance.
One-third of the total number of seats in Panchayats are also reserved for women from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), ensuring affirmative action in these communities.
The 73rd Amendment also mandates that one-third of the positions of Panchayat heads (Sarpanches) be reserved for women, providing opportunities for women to assume leadership roles in village governance.
This provision aims to empower women by promoting their participation in decision-making processes within local governance structures.
The amendment not only reserves seats for women but also empowers them with decentralized decision-making power, allowing them to directly influence policies on local development and resource allocation.
Women in Panchayats are now involved in policy-making, planning, and implementation of programs related to health, education, sanitation, and rural development, which are crucial for their communities.
The 73rd Amendment was specifically aimed at ensuring greater political representation for women in rural areas, where they had historically been excluded from public office due to patriarchal norms.
It has created an opportunity for women to actively engage in governance and contribute to the socioeconomic development of their villages and districts.
Since the amendment, the number of women in local political offices has significantly increased. Today, women constitute more than 40% of Panchayat representatives, marking a dramatic shift from the past when women’s involvement in local governance was minimal.
The amendment has opened doors for women from marginalized communities (like Dalits and tribals) to hold significant positions of power in their villages.
Women who hold the position of Sarpanch or Panchayat member gain significant leadership experience and the ability to manage public affairs. They become role models for other women in their communities and foster a culture of women in leadership.
Many women in these positions have actively worked on local issues such as access to clean water, education, and healthcare, directly improving the quality of life for women and children in rural areas.
Female Panchayat representatives often prioritize issues such as education for girls, maternal health, and rural employment schemes, which have had a positive effect on the overall development of rural communities.
The involvement of women in governance has also resulted in better allocation of resources for women’s welfare programs, particularly in areas such as self-help groups and microfinance initiatives for rural women.
While the reservation system has increased female representation, in many instances, male family members (husbands, fathers) continue to exercise control over women Panchayat leaders. This is often referred to as the phenomenon of proxy leadership or Sarpanch-Pati (husband as Panchayat head), where women’s names are put forward for election, but decisions are made by male relatives.
Many women elected to Panchayats come from rural and low-literacy backgrounds. Without proper training and capacity-building programs, they may face difficulties in understanding governance structures, financial management, and policy implementation. This lack of skills development can hinder their effectiveness as leaders.
Despite legal provisions, cultural barriers and patriarchal attitudes still limit women’s active participation in politics. Women in some regions face social stigma or pressure to prioritize family responsibilities over political duties. These cultural obstacles often lead to undermining of their authority in local governance.
Women in Panchayats often lack support from political parties and local stakeholders, which weakens their ability to push for significant changes in their communities. Political parties may not actively promote female candidates beyond the required reservation quotas.
Example 1: In Madhya Pradesh, the 73rd Amendment led to an increase in the number of women Sarpanches. A notable example is that of Bhanwari Devi, a woman from a rural village, who, despite facing numerous challenges, became a Sarpanch and implemented local programs aimed at increasing literacy and access to sanitation.
Example 2: In West Bengal, women’s participation in local governance through Panchayats has been successfully integrated into the state's political fabric, with more than 50% women representation in Gram Panchayats and other levels of governance. However, many women in leadership positions continue to face the challenge of proxy leadership, with decisions often made by male family members.
The 73rd Amendment has been a game-changer in promoting women’s empowerment in Panchayats, ensuring reservation and increasing female participation in local governance. However, its full potential is still hindered by societal barriers, cultural norms, and male dominance in decision-making. To fully realize its impact, training programs, capacity building, and a strong political will to support women leaders are necessary to enable them to exercise real authority and create sustainable change in their communities.
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