Empowering Women in Panchayati Raj - Overcoming Proxy Leadership

Context:

• True development extends beyond economic growth to empowerment, inclusivity, and dignity.
• Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) reserve 33-50% seats for women to ensure the inclusion of marginalised voices in local governance.
• While these quotas have undoubtedly brought more women into leadership roles, the system has revealed a persistent challenge of proxy leadership.

The Challenge of Proxy Leadership:

• Many elected women sarpanches are overshadowed by male family members.
• Reasons include patriarchal norms, lack of education, lack governance knowledge and institutional support, and systemic weaknesses.
• Male involvement is often justified as support but weakens women’s authority.
• Training programs often fail due to a patronizing approach towards women leaders.

The Story of Chhavi Rajawat:

• As India’s first MBA sarpanch, her journey in rural leadership began in 2010 through a seat reserved for women.
• Her re-election in 2015 (in a general seat) was a testament to the power of inclusive and performance-driven governance.
• But her case is an exception. Across many panchayats, women leaders continue to struggle due to systemic hurdles.
• Institutional biases and dismissive attitudes towards women sarpanches undermine their authority.
• Positive examples show that proactive government officials can empower women.

Strengthening women’s leadership:

• Capacity building and training:
  • The programme for Jharkhand panchayat leaders showcased how structured learning can empower local representatives.
  • The training included aspects of governance, budgeting, planning, funding, risk and conflict management, communication and digital literacy - including AI tools like ChatGPT.
  • Such programmes must become the norm, not the exception.
  • Quarterly training sessions should be conducted for two years post-election.
• Policy recommendations:
  • A government committee has proposed nine key recommendations to strengthen women’s leadership.
  • Former sarpanches should be involved in policy making.
  • A minimum qualification of 12th grade should be mandated for elected representatives.
• Improving remuneration and resources:
  • Low honorarium is a major deterrent; Rajasthan sarpanch receives only Rs 4,500 per month.
  • Similarly, other panchayat representatives receive a sitting fee of just Rs 250 per month.
  • A dignified salary is necessary to encourage serious participation.
  • Women sarpanches should receive smartphones for independent governance access.
  • Official transport and technical assistants can help reduce reliance on male family members.
• Whistleblowing and accountability mechanisms:
  • Proxy leadership must be reported, but safeguards against misuse should be in place.
  • Government officials should be added to WhatsApp groups for real-time guidance.

Conclusion:

• When empowered, women leaders prioritize issues like education, healthcare, and social welfare.
• The PRI reservation policy has the potential to drive transformative rural governance.
• Strengthening institutional support and leadership training will ensure true democratic participation.

Q1. What is proxy leadership in the context of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and what factors contribute to its prevalence?

Ans. Proxy leadership refers to the phenomenon where elected women sarpanches are overshadowed by male family members due to patriarchal norms, systemic weaknesses, etc.

Q2. Discuss the role of capacity-building programs in strengthening women's leadership in PRIs.

Ans. High-quality training programs covering governance, budgeting, digital literacy, and conflict management empower women leaders by enhancing their decision-making capabilities.

Q3. How does the existing remuneration structure impact women sarpanches, and what reforms are suggested?

Ans. The low honorarium, such as Rs 4,500 per month in Rajasthan, discourages serious participation, and reforms include dignified salaries, provision of smartphones, etc.

Q4. What accountability measures can be taken to prevent proxy leadership in PRIs?

Ans. Safeguards must be implemented to prevent political misuse, such as structured reporting systems, real-time guidance from government officials, etc.

Q5. Explain the significance of institutional support in enabling women leaders to exercise real authority in local governance.

Ans. Proactive government officials, gender-sensitive training, independent access to resources, and policies discouraging male interference. 

Source:IE