Context:
- True development extends beyond economic growth to empowerment, inclusivity, and dignity.
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) reserve 33-50% seats for women to ensure the inclusion of marginalised voices in local governance.
- While these quotas have undoubtedly brought more women into leadership roles, the system has revealed a persistent challenge of proxy leadership.
The Challenge of Proxy Leadership:
- Many elected women sarpanches are overshadowed by male family members.
- Reasons include patriarchal norms, lack of education, lack governance knowledge and institutional support, and systemic weaknesses.
- Male involvement is often justified as support but weakens women’s authority.
- Training programs often fail due to a patronizing approach towards women leaders.
The Story of Chhavi Rajawat:
- As India’s first MBA sarpanch, her journey in rural leadership began in 2010 through a seat reserved for women.
- Her re-election in 2015 (in a general seat) was a testament to the power of inclusive and performance-driven governance.
- But her case is an exception. Across many panchayats, women leaders continue to struggle due to systemic hurdles.
- Institutional biases and dismissive attitudes towards women sarpanches undermine their authority.
- Positive examples show that proactive government officials can empower women.
Strengthening women’s leadership:
- Capacity building and training:
- The programme for Jharkhand panchayat leaders showcased how structured learning can empower local representatives.
- The training included aspects of governance, budgeting, planning, funding, risk and conflict management, communication and digital literacy - including AI tools like ChatGPT.
- Such programmes must become the norm, not the exception.
- Quarterly training sessions should be conducted for two years post-election.
- Policy recommendations:
- A government committee has proposed nine key recommendations to strengthen women’s leadership.
- Former sarpanches should be involved in policy making.
- A minimum qualification of 12th grade should be mandated for elected representatives.
- Improving remuneration and resources:
- Low honorarium is a major deterrent; Rajasthan sarpanch receives only Rs 4,500 per month.
- Similarly, other panchayat representatives receive a sitting fee of just Rs 250 per month.
- A dignified salary is necessary to encourage serious participation.
- Women sarpanches should receive smartphones for independent governance access.
- Official transport and technical assistants can help reduce reliance on male family members.
- Whistleblowing and accountability mechanisms:
- Proxy leadership must be reported, but safeguards against misuse should be in place.
- Government officials should be added to WhatsApp groups for real-time guidance.
Conclusion:
- When empowered, women leaders prioritize issues like education, healthcare, and social welfare.
- The PRI reservation policy has the potential to drive transformative rural governance.
- Strengthening institutional support and leadership training will ensure true democratic participation.
