Challenges Faced by Elected Women Representatives in Panchayati Raj System

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Women Representation in Panchayati Raj System Latest News
• Women Representation in Panchayati Raj System Background
• Women Representation in Panchayati Raj System Key Challenges Identified
• Women Representation in Panchayati Raj System Recommendations and Way Forward
• Conclusion
• Women Representation in Panchayati Raj System FAQ’s

Women Representation in Panchayati Raj System Latest News

• A report by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj panel, chaired by former Mines Secretary Sushil Kumar, has highlighted various challenges that prevent Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) from exercising their authority independently. 
• These challenges include socio-cultural norms, patriarchal biases, lack of deterrent laws, and inadequate political experience. 
• The report recommends policy interventions, structural reforms, and strict penalties to curb the practice of 'Pradhan Pati', 'Sarpanch Pati', or 'Mukhiya Pati'.

Women Representation in Panchayati Raj System Background

• The committee was formed in September 2023 following a Supreme Court order (July 6, 2023).
• It conducted four regional workshops, engaging representatives from 14 states, including MP, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, UP, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, etc.
• The findings are based on interactions with state governments, EWRs, and local stakeholders.

Women Representation in Panchayati Raj System Key Challenges Identified

• Lack of political experience:
  • Newly elected women representatives often lack exposure and experience.
  • They struggle to discharge responsibilities effectively at different levels of the Panchayati Raj system, especially at the Gram Panchayat level.
• Gender-based discrimination:
  • Women representatives are often ignored in official and informal meetings.
  • Male elected representatives and officials prefer interacting with male counterparts.
  • This reinforces the dominance of male proxies and limits women's leadership roles.
• Patriarchal socio-cultural norms:
  • Rural society continues to follow traditional gender roles and restrictive norms such as 'purdah'.
  • Women are discouraged from speaking in male-dominated gatherings, including panchayat meetings. These practices limit their participation in governance.
• Political pressure and threats:
  • Women representatives face coercion, threats, and sometimes violence from political opponents and dominant groups.
  • 'No Confidence Motion' is often misused as a tactic to remove them from office.
• Socio-economic and cultural disadvantages:
  • Many EWRs belong to marginalized communities (SC/ST/Minorities/Disabled), increasing their vulnerabilities.
  • The burden of balancing domestic and political responsibilities limits their ability to function effectively.
  • Due to societal norms and lack of confidence, they hesitate in making financial decisions independently.
• Lack of training and mentorship:
  • Women representatives have limited access to training programs that can enhance their leadership skills.
  • Absence of mentorship restricts their ability to navigate political challenges.
• Rotational reservation system:
  • The five-year term for reserved seats is too short for women to gain experience and establish themselves as leaders.
  • It disrupts continuity in governance and weakens women's long-term political impact.
• Weak legal deterrence:
  • Existing legal provisions to penalize male relatives acting as proxies are insufficient.
  • Male relatives continue to control decision-making, undermining the de jure authority of EWRs.

Women Representation in Panchayati Raj System Recommendations and Way Forward

• Policy interventions: Strengthen training programs and provide legal awareness to EWRs.
• Structural reforms: Extend the duration of reservation to ensure leadership continuity.
• Exemplary penalties: Enforce strict laws against male relatives functioning as proxies.
• Capacity building: Enhance mentorship and skill development initiatives for women leaders.
• Awareness campaigns: Promote gender sensitization at all levels of governance.

Conclusion

• The report underscores the urgent need to address systemic challenges that hinder women's effective participation in local governance. 
• By implementing the recommended reforms, the government can empower EWRs, ensuring their constitutional rights and leadership roles are upheld in the Panchayati Raj system.

Women Representation in Panchayati Raj System FAQs

Q1. What are the key challenges faced by Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in the Panchayati Raj system?

Ans. The challenges include lack of political experience, gender-based discrimination, patriarchal socio-cultural norms, political pressure, socio-economic disadvantages, lack of training, etc.

Q2. How do socio-cultural norms and patriarchal practices hinder the effective functioning of women representatives in local governance?

Ans. Deep-rooted patriarchal mindsets, restrictive customs like 'purdah', and social conditioning discourage women from speaking in public and participating in decision-making processes.

Q3. Why is the rotational reservation system for women in Panchayati Raj institutions considered a challenge?

Ans. A five-year term is too short for women to develop leadership skills, gain political experience, and establish long-term governance strategies, limiting their effectiveness.

Q4. What are the major recommendations made by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj panel to strengthen the role of EWRs?

Ans. The panel suggests policy interventions, structural reforms, strict penalties for proxy governance, enhanced capacity-building programs, etc.

Q5. Why is the absence of strong deterrent laws a critical issue in preventing male relatives from acting as proxies for EWRs?

Ans. Weak legal enforcement allows male relatives to unofficially control decision-making, undermining the constitutional mandate of women’s representation in local governance.

Source: IE