Women in Panchayati Raj Institutions A Case Study of Chittorgarh District Council

The participation of Indian women in the freedom movement led by Gandhi as well as enlightened leadership of India ensured that Indian women got equal political rights in the constitution of free India; however, in reality despite some successes, the majority of Indian women were left far behind men in enjoyment of these rights. Hence, the need for bringing women in political sphere through reservation was felt and 33 percent seats were reserved for women in the local self-governing bodies. This brought hundred thousand women into active politics, but questions were repeatedly raised regarding their competence. This article is an empirical study of situation at the ground level in Chittorgarh district. Chittorgarh was selected as it represents the real India