Participation of women in Panchayat Raj Institutions: a step towards inclusive governance

The 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments opened up the governance structures in PanchayatRaj Institutions and urban local bodies to women, by reserving 33 percent of the seats for them. In fact it was the first step towards gender inclusive governance. Though India has had a long tryst with Panchayats, women were not represented in these governing bodies for centuries. In fact it was the state of Karnataka that took the lead in setting special spaces for women in PRI institutions. It was the Karnataka Zilla Panchayat, taluk Panchayat Samiti, Mandal Pnanchayat and Nyaya Panchayat that paved theway for the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments. The entry of women into power politics that was facilitated by the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments no doubt gave them a voice and visibility in the decision making process, but the path of powerwas strewn with many hurdles that included a change resistant patriarchal value system, the reluctance on the part of male politicians to share power and interference of male members of their families. But many women PRI members have taken the initiative to introduce proactive measures that have especially tried to address issues that are of special relevance to women. This article brings to light the need and significance of a gender inclusive governance policy and how it could empower women