A committee constituted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has submitted a report titled “Transforming Women’s Representation and Roles in Panchayati Raj Systems and Institutions: Eliminating Efforts for Proxy Participation.” The committee was formed following a 2023 Supreme Court directive in the Mundona Rural Development Foundation vs UoI case to examine and address proxy participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
Women’s Representation in PRIs
Constitutional Mandate: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) established a three-tier Panchayati Raj system. It mandated one-third reservation for women in PRIs, later increased to 50% in 21 states (Bihar was the first to implement it).
Current Status: 46.6% of elected representatives in Panchayats are women.
Issue of Proxy Leadership: In many cases, elected women act as figureheads, while male relatives (e.g., “Pradhan Pati,” “Sarpanch Pati”) make decisions. This undermines the purpose of women’s political empowerment.
Key Recommendations by the Committee
Strict Penalties for Proxy Leadership
- Exemplary punishment for cases where male relatives interfere in governance.
- Legal actions to deter proxy representation.
Structural & Policy Reforms
Kerala-Style Reforms:
- Gender-exclusive quotas in some panchayat committees.
- Public swearing-in ceremonies for women pradhans in Gram Sabhas.
- Women’s Panchayat Federations for collective decision-making.
- Annual awards for Anti-Pradhan Pati champions.
Creation of Gender Resource Centres:
- These centres would provide leadership training, legal aid, and support networks for women panchayat leaders.
Technological Interventions
AI-Powered Solutions:
- Real-time legal guidance for Women Elected Representatives (WERs) in vernacular languages.
- Virtual Reality Simulation Training to enhance leadership skills.
Digital Accountability Measures:
- WhatsApp groups of WERs linked to Panchayat officials to resolve governance issues.
- Panchayat Nirnay Portal to track elected women leaders’ participation in meetings and decision-making.
Accountability & Oversight Mechanisms
- Helplines for confidential complaints against proxy leadership.
- Women-led watchdog committees to monitor and report violations.
- Whistleblower rewards for verified cases of proxy leadership.
Capacity Building & Leadership Development
- Mandatory training programs for women leaders in vernacular languages.
- Collaboration with IIMs, IITs/NITs, and international development agencies to train WERs.
- Mentorship programs with women MPs/MLAs to guide elected women representatives.
Significance of the Report
- Addresses systemic gender inequality in Panchayati Raj governance.
- Ensures genuine participation of women in decision-making.
- Enhances transparency and accountability in local governance.
- Strengthens India’s commitment to women’s empowerment at the grassroots level.