Women empowerment through village panchayats

摘要

For the societal growth and national progress women empowerment is a must. The article highlights the relevance cf this subject in a democratic system and discusses problems being faced by women. It spells out suggestions for effective empowerment ofwomen members in Panchayat. Balwant Rai Mehta.the man behind the revival of panchayats rightly said that there can be no real progress if women of a country are not made partner in the process of development. He emphasized the vital role, panchayats haveto play in the welfare and development of the weaker sections of the society, particularly women, scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST). It is assumed that greater representation of this section would enhance their voice in panchayat and promote inclusive governance. It is indeed heartening that the Centra! Government has cleared a constitutional amendment to Article 243D to reserve 50 % of seats for women in all tiers of panchayats at district, block and village level. With the passage of this amendment, every second member of the village panchayat will be a woman.