Women in Decentralized Rural Governance

Political participation of women has gained momentum in India as gender mainstreaming in political institutions has been supported by political activists. Political empowerment of women is gaining importance in the era of decentralized governance. Women areactively participating in decision making process and functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions. The reservation for women in local governments has been increased upto 50 percent in many states in view of the growing importance of gender equality and women empowerment. Over the period, there has been increasing share of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions in various states. Political empowerment of women is imperative to ensure engendering development and gender equality in development planning . Women’s participation in decision making process is essential for political empowerment. Panchayati Raj Institutions are playing critical role in political empowerment of women. These institutions are creating greater opportunities for women in decision making process at the gross root level. Decentralized governance in Post 1992 scenario has made available the opportunities for empowering women, weaker sections, poor and implementation of participatory rural development paradigms. Moreover, new Panchayat Raj System has introduced the concept of local development planning, participatory development and people’s centred governance and development. The decentralized governance has focused on empowerment of Panchayat functionaries, representatives and concerned officials of rural development departments. Against this backdrop, present book highlights the role of elected women in decentralised rural governance The book is based on a major research study conducted in Gujarat and Haryana. It is expected that the book will be highly useful in understanding the dynamics of decentralised governance and women empowerment as well as enhancing their role in decentralised governance.