Women in India empowered by active participation in Panchayat Raj system

IAS Mains General Studies Sample Answers

Examine whether rural women in India have been empowered by their active participation in Panchayat Raj system.

Women at farmers rallyIndian constitution promised a complete quality to women. But there was no adequate participation by women in Indian political system except the voting power that they got along with the men. By 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts of 1992, Panchayati Raj system was established in India. This act empowered the rural women by giving one third reservation to them. Rural women were the one who were more away from the development work. Now, they know what role should be played by them in the political system.

Once political status in improved, it makes them economically empowered and their social status is also improved. This helps to remove the social evils like child marriage, Illiteracy and etc. 73rd and 74th Amendment Act of 1992 brought a tremendous change in the participation of women in political system. This grass root level democracy women to participate in government decision making. Active participation in Panchayat Raj system make rural women to think about their rights. This made them to change their social status.

It was made loud and clear that now, they are not only for voting purpose, but also participating in the political decision making. Their leadership skill developed. Gender bias is reduced. They became more aware about their rights, even they have started to demand reservation in parliament also. Women constitute the half of the population of India. In decision making there is a requirement of bottom-up approach. When policies are made for women, if their suggestion is included then the efficiency of the policy is more.

Therefore it can be said that the active participation of women in Panchayat Raj system has empowered them.

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