Post on 21-Aug-2018
transcript
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.1 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
Women Empowerment: Issues and Challenges through the Lens of
Reservation in Panchayati Raj System
by Minaketan Bag[a]
Manjulata Jagadala
[b]
Abstract
The Constitutional (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, provides for elective posts for women. It has
been provided that not less than one-third reservation of total number of posts of Members and
Chairpersons at all three tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (i.e. Gram Panchayat, Intermediate
Panchayat and District Panchayat) shall be reserved for women. The women reservation has been
introduced keeping in mind the maximising participation of women in process of decision making in
Panchayati Raj System. Considering the involvement of domination on women in the society, it is
expected that the introduction of reservation policy on Panchayati Raj system may be an important
instrumental step to strengthen the participation of women in the political system. In this context, the
empowerment of Rural Women is crucial for the development of the Rural Bharat. Bringing women into
the mainstream of development is a major concern for the Government of India, the purpose of which
2001 has been declared as the "Year of Women Empowerment". In fact, it has been observed in the rural
India and particularly among the indigenous women that though they are elected, do not get the chances
to participate in the decision making process of Panchayat activities. Husbands, family members or other
village headmen play an important role in decision making process of Panchayat activities. They are
considered to be rubber stamp. Even the decision makers are considered as Panchayat representative
among the inhabitants of Panchayat. Again majority of the elected women representatives contest for only
one term in the election. It has been observed that the majority of former women representatives are not
re-elected because the seat to which they were elected is de-reserved in the next round. The data are
collected from the women representatives of Kharmunda and Tangarpali Panchayat of Bargarh district
through the case study method.
Against this backdrop the paper tries to make a humble attempt to explore the ground realities
and its effectiveness through women reservation in Panchayat Raj System.
Keywords-: Empowerment, Panchayati Raj, Participation, Issues and Challenges
[a]
Minaketan Bag,
Lecturer,
Department of Anthropology,
Sambalpur University, India.
[b] Manjulata Jagadala,
Science Teacher,
Menda High school, Menda,
District Sonepur, India.
1. Introduction
After the approval of reports of the Balwant Ray Mehta committee (1957) by the national
development councils, the state government introduced a three tier Panchayat Raj system of rural
local government and Orissa Panchayat Raj Samiti and Zilla Parishad act 1959 was passed. Since
then the Panchayat Samiti has been constituted at the block level and Zilla Parishad at the district
level. While the Gram Panchayat and the Panchayat Samiti continued to function the Zilla
Parishad continued for a short spell and was abolished in 1968. The gram panchayat had already
been constituted at the village level since 1948. The districts (now numbering 30) are divided
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.2 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
into bocks (a total of 314) to serve as a unit of development administration. A new act called
Orissa Gram Panchayat Act 1964 was passed in 1965 consolidating all the laws relating to Gram
Panchayats in the State. This act was amended in 1992.The 73rd
Amendment of constitution of
India has provided safeguard for women in political participation and decision making at the
grass root level at all three tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (i.e. Gram Panchayat, Panchayat
Samiti and District Panchayat). There are 1/3rd of the seats reserved for the women all over the
nation. The women belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are provided
reservation in Article243D Constitution (73rd and 74th Amendment) Act, 1992 in order to
empower the women through the participation in politics. Despite of such constitutional
safeguards no eye catching participations of women have been observed in decision making
process in the local self-governance. Women reservation has led only to formal and not real
empowerment of women in the Panchayats.
2. Areas of Study
Kharmunda and Tangarpali Panchayat of Attabira block of Bargarh District has been
selected for the study. Both the Panchayat consist of 15 and 12 wards respectively. Each
Panchayats comprise of seven villages. In 2002 the Tangarpali Panchayat was bifurcated from
Gram Panchayat. These are situated at the foot hill of Barapahar and approximately 17 km from
both block as well as district head quarters.
3. Methodology
Personal interview, Case study and focus group discussion method have been followed in
order to collect information. Position holding as well as former women representatives’ are
selected as sample respondents. There are 22 ward members and 4 representatives from each
Samiti members and Sarapanch are selected for the study. In order to get information regarding
the non-participation of so called higher castes qualitative interview is conducted among them.
4. Objectives
1) Find out socio-economic profile of sample respondents;
2) Explore the willingness of women representatives to participate in the electoral
process of Panchayati Raj System;
3) Find out the role of women representatives in election/ selection process;
4) Participation of women representatives in decision making process of different
development activities;
5) Trace out the hurdles of non-participation in decision making process.
5. Review of Literature
Theories of the study
“Day and night women must be kept in dependence by the males (of) their (families),
and, if they attach themselves to sensual enjoyments, they must be kept under one’s control. Her
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.3 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
father protects (her) in childhood; her husband protects (her) in youth, and her sons protect (her)
in old age; a woman is never fit for independence” (ManusmritiIX.2-3; Course Pack, p.20).
“In childhood a female must be subject to her father, in youth to her husband, when her
lord is dead to her sons; a woman must never be independent. She must not seek to separate
herself from her father, husband, or sons; by leaving them she would make both (her own and
her husband’s) families contemptible” (ManusmritiV. 148-149; Course Pack, pp. 20-21).
Under Manusmriti the religious life or practice of the adult woman revolves around her
relationship with her husband or son(s). Women, within Patriarchal Hinduism, are primarily
concerned to conceive children (particularly sons) and to serve (and revere) their husbands.
After Analyzing the Balawantrai Mehta Committee Manikymba (1989) states that the
rural woman should not be considered as the beneficiary of development rather they can
contribute to the development of rural area in the process of representation and participation in
decision making process in political institution. Bhargava and Bhaskar (1996) indicate that the
women reservation system is introduced in order to increase the representation of rural women in
the rural political institution. They argue that the reservation system enhance self confidence
among the rural women. Again it will create an opportunity to raise their grievances on issues of
women and other socio- economic problem of the Panchayat in a formal forum.
Naryan (1996) explores the multi-facet objectives of women reservation under 73rd
constitutional amendment. It involves in projecting the participation of women as voter, women
as members of political parties, women as candidates, women as elected members of Panchayati
Raj Institutions and deeply involves in taking part in decision making, planning, implementation
and evaluation. Approximately half of voters of rural India belong to women, but their
participation and representation in the rural political institution is negligible. In order to enhance
the participation and representation 73rd
amendment provides opportunities to the women.
Hence, not less than one-third seats reserved including the offices of chairpersons for women in
Panchayati Raj Institution at all levels (Krishna; 1997).Indian Institute of Social Science (2000)
highlights the progress of women representatives in a study of Panchayat Raj in Haryana. It
reviewed the performance of some hundred elected women in four districts; majorities of the
elected women Panches including younger women were illiterate when elected to office. After
two years in office, they demanded literary skill and generally feel the need of education for their
daughters. Palanthurai (2001) indicates in a study of Tamilnadu that women were able to hold
the position in the Panchayati Raj Institution due to mandatory provision of women reservation.
After holding the office the mindset of the patriarchal society has been gradually changing day
by day towards the women. From his experience the Author suggests to provide necessary
facilities such as proper orientation, sensitization, capacity building, information and counselling
continuously through the organizations. The necessary facilities can help the women leaders to
perform the assigned role in a better way.
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.4 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
6. Findings
Socio-Economic Profile of respondents
It has been observed from the field that no woman from the higher caste come forward to
take part in the Panchayati Raj System. The women who participate in this process belong to low
ranking society in general and SCs and STs in particulars. The concept of dominant caste
(Srinivas, 1959: 1-16) is not executed in case of women is concerned. According to him “A caste
may be said to be dominant when it preponderates numerically over the other caste and when it
also wields preponderant economic and political power”. But in case of the political participation
of women belong to dominant caste is found absent in the sample area. May be due to the
prevalence of rigid Hindu belief system the women of dominant caste are restricted to participate
in the local self-governance. The empirical data shows;
Table.1: Caste-wise Distribution of Sample Respondents [N=30]
Caste Number of representatives of different portfolio Percentage
Ward members Sarapanch Samiti member
SCs 7 2 2 36.66
STs 11 2 2
50
OBCs 4 nil nil
13.33
Total 22 4 4
99.99
Source: Fieldwork
The table.1 indicates that out 30 sample respondents 11 (36.66%) participated in
Panchayat election belong to SCs community and a significant number i.e. 15 (50%) belong to
STs community. From the qualitative field data, it has been found that no woman has been
elected in unreserved seats, which indicates that caste based reservation in Panchayati Raj
institution is the main reason of women participation. Like caste the occupation is an important
factor of the socio-economic status. The table.2 indicates the occupational status of the women
representatives.
Table.2: Occupation of Sample Respondents before participation in Election and Primary
Occupation of Household Heads [N=30]
Distribution of Sample Respondents Distribution of Household Head
Name of
Occupation
No. of
Respondents Percentage
Name of
Occupation.
No. of Household
head Percentage
House Wives 2 6.66 Agriculture 6 20
Agricultural
Labour 16 53.33 Agricultural Labour 14 46.66
Wage Labour 12 40 Wage Labour 10 33.33
Total 30 99.99 30 30 99.99
Source: Fieldwork
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.5 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
Table 2.shows that significant number of women depend on agricultural labour and wage
labour i.e. 16 (53.3%) and 12 (40%) respectively. Like them considerable number of household
heads belong to the occupational categories, agricultural labour and wage labour i.e. 14 (46.66%)
and 10 (33.33%) respectively. The occupational patterns of the sample respondents and their
household heads clearly state that they belong to lower economic strata and they are dependent
on labour work. The caste based reservation policy has pushed them to participate in Panchayati
Raj institution. Education is another aspect which helps a person to expose outer world.
Table.3: Educational Status of Sample Respondents
Educational Qualification Distribution of Respondents Percentage
Illiterate 17 56.66
Primary 13 43.33
Secondary Nil nil
Higher Nil nil
Total 30 99.99
Source: Fieldwork
The table.3 indicates that out of 30 sample women representatives 17 (56.66%) are
illiterate and the educational status of 13 (43.33%) respondents is primary school. The
educational status of the sample women representatives is very low. They have participated in
election out of their own interest. They have come to participate in Panchayati Raj election in
persuasion of either family member or local leader. A case study of Arun (1997) in Madhya
Pradesh indicates that in most of the cases women are housewives. They come to politics for first
time and most of them are illiterate or educated up to primary level.
Willingness of Women Representative to Participate in Electoral Process
The government has finished its duty by enacting an amendment in 1992 for unfinished
agenda of empowerment of women through the reservation in Panchayati Raj institution. No
such consciousness has been created among them to participate in this process in their own
interest. They participate in Panchayati Raj institution due to mandatory provision of reservation
system. Only the policy is not enough to bring them into politics and to become a shareholder of
politics in patriarchal society. From the field information it is found that all 30 representatives
belong to non-political background and so-called low ranking society. Out of 30 women
representatives 28 maintain their livelihood with the agricultural labour and wage labour. Out of
28 representatives 12 are sitting ward member who have been maintaining livelihood by doing
both agricultural and wage labour. They also know very well that the seats are reserved for one
term for a particular caste or tribe and after the completion of five years again they have to turn
to labour or agricultural work. Again, most of them are illiterate or possess low educational
qualification. So, they hesitate to speak to highly qualified people like B. D. O., Secretary or any
officer. As a result they are not interested to participate in the election. But they are influenced to
participate in the Panchayat politics due to caste based reservation. From the field data it has
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.6 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
been found that earlier to the last Panchayat election particularly for the posts of Sarapanch and
Samiti member the women candidates were first selected in the village level by the elderly
members in the presence of village male folk. The information was conveyed to the concern
woman through her family member. The women representatives were persuaded by their male
folk of the family with the support of villagers. In the last Panchayat election the intervention of
political parties is found directly through the different local political leaders. The candidates are
selected on flexibility of local political leaders. There are some well educated women of so
called low ranking society living in these villages to whom the local politician do not want them
to participate in the election which indicates their ill intention to enjoy the political power
behind the elected woman. They select the women particularly for the post of Sarapanch and
Samiti member to whom they can trap easily and enjoy all power behind the portfolio. Though
the candidates can not contest the election with party banner still they are supported by the party.
The local party leaders assure to bear all the expenses of the election as a result the women of so
called low ranked social group take some interest to participate in the election. They do not have
any past experience of participating in politics. Four ward-members and one former Sarapanch
had participated in a rally at Bhubaneswar before coming into politics. But the reality in the
sample area is that whatever rallies are organized in Bhubaneswar, the local leaders take people
in free ticket in order to show their strength to the party leaders. The people also go with them
not to take part in the rallies rather to make a visit to Lord Jagannath temple, Konark and
Lingaraj. That participation in the rally may not be considered as experience. Generally the
women enter into politics due to mandatory provision of reservation. Most of the women are
from non-political background and enter into politics due to persuasion by their family members
or pressure from the village community. As a result, before knowing something about the politics
and policies level understanding, they are trapped by the male member of the family or leaders of
the community. They are kept aside in all decision making process of the Panchayats.
The qualitative information regarding the non-participation of women belong to so called
higher caste collected from the women whose male folks are involved in politics and well
educated indicate that some of them are interested to participate in the Panchayat election. But
the rigid religious belief system does not allow them to participate in the electoral process. The
elders as well as the male folk also do not like to see them in the public places or participate in
the decision making process of village or Panchayat. Some of them hesitate to participate in the
election and take decision in the presence of elders. The well-educated and socially established
women do not participate in the Panchayat election.
Participation of Women Representatives in Election Process
Generally in the sample area the people do not go to contest for the post of ward member.
The posts are selected in the village meeting by the elderly member and local political leaders in
the presence of male members of the village. Only the information is shared by the concern male
member of the family to her; no consent of woman candidate is taken regarding her candidature.
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.7 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
It is found that all the 22 women representatives for ward member were finalized without
contesting in Panchayat election by the elderly male members of the villages. In order to answer
the question “did you present in the meeting, you were selected? A woman Mrs. Tusabanti
Bhosagar says;
Voice-Ame meeting ke kahijimu, meeting re sabu sian saman lok thibe, dedhsasur mane
thibe, semankar samnare ame kana kahemu, ame kahele semankar mud tal nai heijiba?
Voice Interpretation-the answer given by Mrs. Tusabanti Bhosagar indicates that she is
not interested to attend public meetings of the village because she feels that the prestige
of the elder members of the village will be low because of her presence in the meeting.
At the same time she does not feel comfortable standing and speaking before the people
who may be her avoidance relatives. Mrs. Tusabanti Bhosagar is a “woman” who
represents “women” in the locality and her case is not the only case rather many similar
cases are found where the women are not interested to participate in the meeting. Their
participation in the public meeting is considered as humiliation towards the elders and
brother in laws (elders to their husband).
The posts of Sarapanch, Samiti member and Zilla Parisad are selected through voting
system. The Zilla Parisad members are not included in our study. Out of 30 elected sample
women representatives, 4 candidates from each Sarapanch and Samiti members were elected
through the voting process.
The unwillingness of women representatives are also observed in campaigning of election in
sample area. They are found as passive participants in the campaigning process. In the village
meeting they only introduce themselves and announce the names of posts they are contesting.
With that much of introduction the candidates shift the mouth speaker to the male campaigner.
They do not deliver any speech in support of their candidature. Mrs. Tapisa Bagarty the former
Samiti member of Kharmunada Panchayat;
Voice-Ame jetabele vote prachar karijauthilu mor sange amar gaonra sian lok mane bhi
jauthile. Mui arambh karuthili, mor naa au ken parthi thin thia heuchhe kahideuthili. Se
meeting thin sian mainta lokmane thisan hetir lagi mui besi naikahuthili aur mike ta
jenmane mate utheithile semanku deideuthili.Tar utaru amar lokmane baki sabu
kahuthile. Ame paile kana karmu, kenu nalkua heba, kenu Kalab ghar heba, sabu budha
budhi manku bhatta kenta milba.
Voice Interpretation- She was not telling more as the meeting was attended by the
elders’ members of the village. She was only introducing herself and announcing the
post. The male members (local leaders) were delivering speeches and telling the agenda
of their candidate.
Few hands counting close relatives women are found accompany to the woman candidate
in campaigning. But they are only passive participants of campaign group. They never speak
anything in support of their candidate. They tell it is not good in the part of a woman to go with a
group of male members. She feels lonely for which they accompany her. This indicates that they
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.8 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
are no more interested to be part of Panchayat electoral campaigning process. Bohra (1997)
conducted a study in Panchayat of Tamilnadu and found that despite of women electorate
constitute half of the total voters, including the women female candidates the other supporter
women hardly have interest in campaigning.
Earlier to 2012 Panchayat election the candidates were spending from their own. The
average expenditure for election per candidate was approximately Rs. 15, 000/-.The interesting
finding is that though the Sarapanch and Samiti member do not contest with the affiliation of any
political party’s but directly the candidates are supported by the political parties in 2012
Panchayat election. The expenditure of Panchayat election is increased to more than Rs. 40,000/-
. The local party’s leader motivate woman through the male member of the family to participate
in the Panchayat election. They also assure to support in all financial matter. The behind agenda
of all moral and financial support are reflected after winning of the candidates. A huge gap has
been observed between the representation and participation in decision making process of
women representatives in the sample area.
Participation of women representatives in decision making process
The enactment of women reservation in the Panchayati Raj institution helps to gradual
increase of women representation in the lower level of politics. In same way it fails to achieve
the women participation in the decision making process. The proper representation of women
does not meant proper participation. No woman representation is found in the sample area. All
the 30 women representatives agree that they do not go to participate in the public meeting where
male members remain present. The most interesting finding is that Mrs. Kishori Barik the sitting
Sarapanch of Kaharmunda Panchayat never comes to Panchayat office in her four years of
tenure. All the Panchayat activities are undertaken by her husband including the husband of all
ward members. The signatures of the candidates for the proceeding of meeting are done in their
houses by the office bearers or the male members of the concern family. She also does not know
the different development programme running in her Panchayat. According to the inhabitants of
village Kharmunda they never see her after election as she belong to the neighbouring village
Dadangapali. In a personal interview she expresses her inability to discuss with male members.
Sometimes she thinks to do so but her husband do not allow to public meeting. Mrs. Tapisa
Bagarty former Samiti member was attaining all Panchayat meeting; she alleged that her
suggestion was ignored knowingly by the Panchayat Secretary and Naib Sarapanch.
The 73rd
amendment act gives emphasis on the participation of women in the decision
making process of gram Sabha and plalli Sabha meeting. Similar trends are also found in the
study area where women are the most marginalized section whose participation is lacking in the
meeting. The study reveals that the women are not invited to Gram Sabha and Palli Sabha. When
focused group discussions are organized among the women of the sample Panchayats, it is found
that most of the women representatives hesitate to participate in the meeting as the elder male
members of the village remain present in the meeting. From the study area the entire women
ward member reported that they were not informed or invited to the meetings rather their
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.9 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
husbands are invited to the meeting. But in question of their willingness to participate in the
meeting, the answer was negative. They also hesitate to participate in public meeting in the
presence of a large number of elder male members. The women representatives participate
through the caste based reservation policy in the Panchayat election are first timers. Most of
them are illiterates or low literates. So they hesitate in conducting Panchayat activities. They also
fear to speak with the highly educated officials like B.D.O. Again the strong caste feeling
prevails in the sample area. As a result particularly the SCs women do not like to expose to
public place.
The patriarchal forms of socio-cultural practices become a constraint for women to
participate in the meetings. The society does not allow the women to participate in public
meeting and discussion in the presence elderly male member of the village. The presence of
women in Palli Sabha meeting in the village and Gram Sabha in the Panchayat office among the
male members of different villages is not quite an acceptable behaviour and considered as
disrespect to the male member of the meeting and family as well. Thus, hardly a woman dares to
participate in the meetings. However some extent the desire to participate in the meeting is
expressed by former Samiti member of Kharmunda Panchayat. It gives an insight into the
interest of women to be involved in the developmental process. But multi-level boundaries of
family, village and society suppress and prevent them to participate in the process. Despite of
such huddles she was interested to participate but the rotation basis of seat reservation prevent
her. In reality the rotation basis of seats reservation for women plays significant role in providing
more opportunity to the women in a large extent; but in case of interested woman candidate for
the same seat prevent to participate in the Panchayat Raj Institution. Tiwari (2009) in her study
indicates that some interested women are not able to re-elect as because the seat where they were
elected is rotated to other caste or de-reserved in the next round election. In Karamunda
Panchayat the present Sarapanch is a lady but all the political power is enjoyed by her husband.
For any discussion or matter of Panchayat the village people meet to the husband of Sarapanch.
He is mostly told and accepted as Sarapanch of Kharmunda Gram Panchayat by the people. In a
personal discussion the patriarchal form of culture and distribution of labour mind set are
observed. He expresses the duty of a woman is to cook food, distribution of food and caring of
children. She is not able to maintain the Panchayat office. The mandatory policy of women
reservation cannot empower them.
Huddles in Participating Decision Making Process
The socialization processes based upon Manu Smiriti that women are dependent on men
in different period of times are strictly prevalence in the societies Particular in the sample
area and largely in rural Odisha. After 68 years of Independence the women are not free
to participate in the public meeting. The male member of the family think the female
should be stayed inside the four wall of the house. This has been mentioned in the Manu
Smriti “Day and night women must be kept in dependence by the males (of) their
(families), and, if they attach themselves to sensual enjoyments, they must be kept under
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.10 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
one’s control. Her father protects (her) in childhood; her husband protects (her) in youth,
and her sons protect (her) in old age; a woman is never fit for independence”
(ManusmritiIX.2-3; Course Pack, p.20).
The bureaucratic domination in the local councils also prevents the women in
participating in decision making process.
Lack of knowledge on the programme and planning also one of the reasons of non-
participation of women in this process.
Local elites from connivance with local administration for their own interests and bypass
the needs of the mass. So the scanty participation that exists is limited only to the rich and
participation of the rural poor is minimal.
7. Concluding Remarks
It is all accepted that the reservation of women in Panchayati Raj system plays an
important role for the women representation in grassroots politics in India. Centre for Women’s
Development Studies (1999) indicates women representatives never come to acquire positions in
Panchayati Raj, if the reservation is not provided to them. It has succeeded in bringing the
womenfolk of rural India into the political forum. It is also most important that women should be
in a position to influence decision making, prepare and implement schemes for economic
development and social justice. But from the collected information from the sample area it has
been found that their participation in the process of decision making is absent. One among the
reason may be the lack of proper education. Most of women of sample area belong to so called
low ranked social strata. The literacy level among them is low. Education may not compensate
for all real life experiences or does not magically present upon recipients a fool-proof moral
compass but it provides moral courage to stand before someone and helps right from wrong. As a
result they hesitate to participate in the decision making process and transfer their elected
position to their husband or influential politician or person of that locality to administer.
Providing opportunity to the women of so called low ranking society in Panchayat matter is
relatively easy in the part of male member or political leaders to enjoy the all power behind the
scene.
The most important reason found from the sample area is the prevalence traditional mind
set among the male as well as female of sample area based on Manusmriti. All the women
express the restriction of family members that they should not go to public places. They should
be kept under dominancy of male members. Their participation in the public meeting may
humiliate the elderly member of the family and village well. There are so much of restrictions
are imposed on them in patriarchy society. Again the caste identity based on Purusasukta of Rig
Veda has been demoralizing the women of so called low ranked society to participate in public
meeting or in the process of decision making.
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.11 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
8. Suggestions
Here are some suggestions for the better involvement of women in Panchayati Raj for the
betterment as well as the progress of the State.
Particularly the rural women are mostly illiterates or low literates and new participants in
election process. They are unknown to the decorum of Panchayat office as well as the
rule and regulation of office with different development programmes running under the
Panchayat. In rotational basis of reservation the tenure of five year come to end in
knowing the total process and it rotates to other. So the term should extend; as they can
get time to understand the system and develop a sense of confidence among themselves
to participate in decision making process.
An important requirement for bringing about empowerment of rural women is to bring
about an attitudinal change in both men and women. The male members of society feel
that women are meant for household activities and taking care of children and their needs.
This mind set should be replaced by a feeling of equal partnership of women and men in
the society.
Interaction programmes should be organized in regular interval with the women leaders.
They should be exposed to the urban areas in order to interact with urban elected women
representatives. The successful women leaders need to be encouraged to publicize their
leadership abilities and qualities. The government should honour them in public meetings
organizes in rural area. It will encourage other rural women representatives
Attendance in Panchayat meeting should be mandatory in all level from Gram Panchayat
to Zilla Parishad. Ensuring participation in the Panchayat meeting in order to enhance
self-confidence and leadership qualities among the rural women.
They should be linked with Local NGO particularly those works on women
empowerment. For which government should provide financial support and
infrastructural facilities to them. This responsibility may be shouldered by the leaders of
women’s movement in the State. They can also provide necessary support to sensitize the
rural women.
The responsibility should also be assigned to National Literacy Mission and other
organizations engaged in the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for educating the rural men and
women regarding the significance of Panchayati Raj and empowerment of women.
Both print as well as electronic media can play vital role in encouraging the rural women
to participate in Panchayati Raj System. They can act as an agent of political socialization
for inculcating the values of gender equality and gender justice.
The course curriculum of the primary, secondary and higher secondary levels should be
modified in such way as to promote gender sensitivity among the students. Again a
special chapter should be introduced regarding the role of women in Panchayati Raj
system.
Acme Intellects International Journal of Research in Management, Social Sciences & Technology ISSN 2320 – 2939 (Print) 2320-2793 (Online) Let your Research be Global search– An Ultimate search of Truth- Reforms through Research Vol- 13 No. 13 Jan 2016
”Aano bhadraa krathavo yanthu vishwathaha”-"Let the noble thoughts come to all from all directions". Page No.12 Acme Intellects Research Center- A wing of Help to Help Charitable Trust®
9. References
1) Arun , R,1997. “Role Of Women in Panchayati Raj”,Administrator, x11 (April-June)
2) Bhargava, B. S. and M. Bhaskar 1992. Women in Grassroots Democracy A Study of
Kerala, University of Kerala. New Delhi: ICSSR.
3) Bhora, O. P. 1997. “Women in Decentralised Democracy”, Journal of Rural
Development,16 (4): 637-683.
4) Centre for Women’s Development Studies, 1999.“From Oppression to Assertion: A Study
of Panchayats and Women in M.P., Rajasthan and U.P.”. New Delhi: CWDS.
5) Institution of Social Science, New Delhi. 2000. Status of Panchayati Raj in the States and
Union Territories of India,
6) Krishna, S. 1997. “Women and Panchayati Raj: The Law, Programme and Practices”,
Journal of Rural Development, 16 (4): 651-662.
7) Manikymba, P. 1989. Women in Panchayat Structure. New Delhi: Gian Publishing
8) Narayan, U.1996. “ Women in Panchayats: The Path Ahead”, Mainstream, Nov.16.
9) Palanthurai, G. 2001. “The Genre of Women leaders in local bodies: Experience from
Tamil Nadu”, Indian Journal of public Administration.
10) Srinivas, M. N. 1959. “Dominant Caste in Rampura”, American Anthropology, 61 (1): 1-
16.
11) Tiwari, N. 2009. “Rethinking the Rotation Term of Reserved Seats for Women in
Panchayati Raj”, Common Wealth Journal of Local Governance, Article retrieved from
the Website: http://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/ojs/index.php/cjlg on 12 February 2015