Empowerment Of Elected Women Representatives In Panchayati Raj Institutions: A Case Study Of Moradabad Division

In India, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) assume great prominence from the point of view ofdemocratization in the administrative system. Article 40 of the Indian constitution lays down thatthe state shall take necessary steps to unify village panchayats and bestow them with such powersand authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government. Thearchitects of PRIs visualized that not only men but also women shouldparticipate in the village panchayat. In Indian society women traditionally considered as a weaker section. The status of women has been subservient to man subjugated, exploited and oppressed. She has been discriminated form womb to tomb. They have been constantly denied of the right to expresses their views at various levels. After independence, it was felt this negligence of women power had been one of the most essentialcauses of India’s backwardness. The 73rd and 74th amendment act is an important eventin the Indian history in which 33 percent reservation has been given to women at thePanchayat and Municipal level. The reservation for women in panchayats have provided apossibility for thrashing traditional gender, caste and religious biasness but it is a longand difficult process for bringing about societal change. The question remains: whether theconstitutional amendment will be able to contribute to women’s empowerment or will theexisting patriarchal structures continue to dominate in the society. This paper is an attemptto understand the instance of elected women in panchayat level representation and how far thesetypes of representation lead the way to their development and empowerment. Key Words: Elected women leaders, Participation, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) Policy