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.