Q. Explain the role status of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions in Odisha. Give suggestions to improve their role status. Also mention the recommendation of the Committee of Ministry of Panchayati Raj formed in 2023, in this regard.
Ans: The role and status of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Odisha have undergone a significant transformation since the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. Odisha was a pioneer in reserving 33% seats for women in PRIs even before the national mandate, later increasing it to 50%, thereby enabling over one lakh women to participate in grassroots governance.
Role and Status of Women in Odisha’s PRIs:
- Political Inclusion: Women serve as Sarpanchs, Zilla Parishad Chairpersons, and Ward Members, contributing to local decision-making.
- Social Empowerment: Their presence challenges patriarchal norms, especially in tribal and rural areas.
- Economic Participation: Through schemes like Mission Shakti, women SHGs are actively involved in service delivery and micro-enterprise.
- Challenges Persist:
- Proxy Leadership: Practices like Sarpanch Pati undermine women’s autonomy.
- Limited Capacity: Many lack training, education, and exposure.
- Patriarchal Norms: Customs like ghoonghat and male dominance in meetings restrict active engagement.
- Short Tenure: Rotational reservation prevents continuity and leadership development.
Suggestions to Improve Women’s Role Status:
- Capacity Building: Regular training, legal literacy, and mentorship for elected women.
- Institutional Support: Formation of Women Panchayat Federations to promote peer learning.
- Legal Safeguards: Enforce penalties for proxy leadership and ensure independent functioning.
- Digital Monitoring: Use platforms like Panchayat Nirnay Portal to track participation.
- Awareness Campaigns: Promote gender sensitization among officials and communities.
Recommendations of the 2023 Committee by Ministry of Panchayati Raj:
Following a Supreme Court directive, the Ministry formed a committee titled “Transforming Women’s Representation and Roles in Panchayati Raj Systems and Institutions: Eliminating Efforts for Proxy Participation”. Key recommendations include:
- Exemplary Penalties for male relatives usurping elected positions.
- Kerala-style gender-exclusive quotas in subject committees.
- Public swearing-in ceremonies to affirm women’s authority.
- AI-powered legal guidance and virtual reality training for Women Elected Representatives (WERs).
- Watchdog Committees, helplines, and whistleblower rewards for reporting proxy cases.
- Use of Panchayat Nirnay Portal to monitor elected women’s participation in meetings and decisions.
Conclusion: Odisha has made commendable progress in empowering women through PRIs, but deep-rooted social barriers and proxy practices dilute their impact. Implementing the committee’s recommendations and fostering a culture of respectful inclusion will ensure that women not only occupy seats but also exercise real power in shaping rural governance.