Panel Recommendations for Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Panchayati Raj Governance

Source: The post Panel Recommendations for Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Panchayati Raj Governance has been created, based on the article “GENDER JUST THIRD-TIER: Addressing problem of male proxies for women panchayat heads requires persuasion, not exemplary punishment” published in “Indian Express” on 28th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Polity- devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Context: The article discusses the issue of male relatives controlling decision-making in panchayati raj institutions despite women’s reservations. It highlights a panel’s recommendations to empower women leaders, emphasizing awareness and training over punitive actions. It stresses the need for systemic change rather than symbolic representation.

For detailed information on Political Empowerment of Women read this article here

Why was the panel formed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj?

1. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj constituted the panel to investigate cases where male relatives of women panchayat pradhans (heads) were making decisions on their behalf.
2. This issue undermines women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
3. In 2023, the Supreme Court, while hearing a petition on the misuse of women’s reservation in panchayats, declined judicial intervention and left the matter to the ministry.
4. In response, the advisory committee was formed.

What are the key findings of the panel?

1. The panel found that despite 46.6% women’s representation in PRIs, male relatives often play a dominant role in decision-making.
2. This contradicts the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which mandates women’s participation in governance.
3. The Kudumbashree study (2024) was conducted by the Kerala government and the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. It revealed that the lack of training prevents elected women representatives (EWRs) from effectively participating in decision-making.

What solutions has the panel suggested?

The panel recommended persuasion over punishment to strengthen women’s leadership. Key suggestions include:

• Gender-exclusive quotas in panchayat and ward committees
• Public swearing-in of women pradhans in gram sabhas
• Rewarding “anti-pradhan pati champions” to encourage independent leadership
• Appointing women ombudsmen for grievance redressal
• Creating a federation of women panchayat leaders for collective empowerment
• Establishing leadership hubs and support networks to train and mentor women representatives

Why is “exemplary punishment” controversial?

The panel opposed the idea of exemplary punishment for male proxies, arguing that punitive measures could push the practice underground instead of eliminating it. Instead, it emphasized awareness, training, and systemic change through a bottom-up approach rather than harsh retributive action.

How does this issue relate to broader women’s representation?

1. Legal Framework: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act ensured one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
2. Increased Reservation: By 2024, 21 states and 2 Union Territories increased women’s reservation to 50% in PRIs.
3. Needed Change: Like women’s reservation in Parliament, real empowerment requires training, leadership networks, and systemic change beyond symbolic representation.

Question for practice:

Examine the effectiveness of women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions and discuss how the panel’s recommendations address the challenges of male dominance in decision-making