Subject: Indian Polity

Despite the constitutional mandate for women's reservation in local governance through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, the transformative impact on India's patriarchal political landscape remains constrained by deep-rooted social and cultural barriers.

Achievements of Women's Reservation in Local Bodies

• Quantitative Progress: As of March 2025, 14.5 lakh women representatives out of 31 lakh elected members (46%) in local bodies, with many states extending reservation from 33% to 50%.

• Policy Implementation: Enhanced focus on women-centric issues through:

  • Better delivery of public services in areas like education and healthcare.
  • Increased allocation for gender-responsive budgeting.
  • Improved implementation of schemes like MGNREGA and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

Limitations and Challenges

• Proxy Representation:

  • Many elected women function as mere proxies for male family members.
  • Decisions often controlled by male relatives, termed as "Sarpanch Pati" syndrome.

• Structural Barriers:

  • Limited access to political networks and resources.
  • Inadequate knowledge of administrative procedures.
  • Difficulties in balancing domestic responsibilities with public duties.

Gender-Based Discrimination

• Political Violence: Women face harassment, intimidation, and violence, both online and offline.

• Selection Process Issues:

  • Lack of transparency in candidate selection.
  • Disproportionate allocation of less winnable seats to women.
  • Limited access to campaign resources and party support.

Way Forward

• Capacity Building:

  • Regular training programs through State Institutes of Rural Development.
  • Mentorship programs connecting experienced and new women leaders.

• Institutional Support:

  • Establishing women's wings in political parties.
  • Creating support networks through Self Help Groups and Mahila Mandals.

The journey towards breaking patriarchal barriers requires a multi-pronged approach involving gender sensitization, institutional reforms, and implementation of programs like Mission Shakti and Mahila Samman Savings Certificate to ensure women's economic and political empowerment at the grassroots level.