WOMEN IN PANCHAYATI RAJ: LEADING FROM THE FRONT OR CONTROLLED FROM THE SHADOWS?

AUTHOR – SUHANI SINGH & DRISHTI BALAJI SONKER, STUDENT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL, NOIDA

BEST CITATION – SUHANI SINGH & DRISHTI BALAJI SONKER, WOMEN IN PANCHAYATI RAJ: LEADING FROM THE FRONT OR CONTROLLED FROM THE SHADOWS?, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 692-699, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Abstract

The research paper titled “Women in Panchayati Raj: Leading from the Front or Controlled from the Shadows?” critically examines the role and challenges of women in India’s decentralized governance system. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 mandated a minimum reservation of one-third of seats for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to promote grassroots democracy and gender equity. However, while this legal framework has increased female political representation, it has not necessarily translated into effective leadership due to deep-rooted patriarchal structures.

The study highlights that many women in PRIs function as mere figureheads, with their decision-making powers often usurped by male relatives—commonly referred to as Sarpanch Patis (husband proxies). Societal biases, lack of political training, and limited financial independence further impede women’s leadership. The paper presents real-life success stories of women leaders who have defied these odds, such as Chhavi Rajawat and Rajani Kothari, who have driven social change through education, sanitation, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Despite these successes, numerous systemic challenges persist, including proxy leadership, limited participation in decision-making, and economic and educational barriers. To counter these issues, the research suggests strengthening legal frameworks, enforcing strict anti-proxy laws, implementing leadership training, and enhancing financial support for women in PRIs. Additionally, the study advocates for greater male sensitization, digital literacy initiatives, and grievance redressal mechanisms to empower women leaders effectively.

The paper concludes that while legislative measures have laid the foundation for women’s political empowerment, genuine leadership requires a shift in societal attitudes, comprehensive training programs, and active enforcement of legal provisions. Transforming Panchayati Raj into a truly inclusive system necessitates dismantling patriarchal control and fostering an environment where women can exercise autonomy in governance.

Keywords – Women Empowerment, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Gender Equality, Proxy Leadership, Sarpanch Pati, Grassroots Governance, Political Participation, Decentralization, Patriarchy, Women Leadership, Rural Development, Gender Bias.