DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

India has more than 14.5 lakh Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) which is about 46 percent of the total elected representatives, which is highest in the world. There are 21 states in the country that have made provision for 50 percent reservation for women in PRIs as against constitutional mandate of minimum 33 percent reservation for women.

Marking a historic milestone to foster equitable representation of women in political leadership, the Parliament of India passed the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women Reservation Bill). This landmark legislation will ensure 33 percent reservation of seats Lok Sabha, all State Legislative Assemblies, including Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi, thus institutionalizing representation of women in politics at the highest levels of public decision-making.

This information was shared by the Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur in response to a question asked by Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu during the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament.

Raising the matter of women's representation in India's political leadership in the parliament, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Satnam Sandhu in his question asked from the Ministry of Women & Child Development sought details regarding the initiatives launched by the Ministry to enhance the leadership skills of Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayats, steps taken for collaborating with state governments to ensure the effective implementation of leadership training programs for EWRs and impact of these initiatives on governance in rural areas.

In a written reply, MOS Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur said, "The Union Government has launched the Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan which is a comprehensive and targeted capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the nation. It focuses on sharpening their leadership acumen, enhancing their decision-making capabilities and reinforcing their role in grassroot governance."

The Minister added, "The government has prepared specialized training modules designed specifically for capacity building of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions. Recognizing the on-ground challenges faced by women duty bearers and women leaders contesting elections, a comprehensive Primer on Law Addressing Gender Based Violence and Harmful Practices for Panchayat Elected Representatives has also been prepared. Recently, the Government has launched Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Initiative with an aim to establish at least one Model Gram Panchayat in each District in the country that is both women and girl friendly, reinforcing the commitment to gender equality and sustainable rural development."

(editor@dailyworld.in)