Eliminating proxy leadership is essential for establishing grassroots democracy and an inclusive India. Despite reserved seats, many women sarpanches remain controlled by male relatives due to entrenched patriarchal norms, limited education, and inadequate institutional support. Structured training, higher honoraria, and improved resources can empower them to lead independently and effectively.
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The elimination of proxy leadership is essential for establishing a genuine grassroots democracy and creating an inclusive India.
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) was established to bring marginalized voices into decision-making at the village level, by reserving 33-50% of seats for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, with the goal of promoting a more developed and empowered India through inclusive governance.
Despite the reservations, many elected women sarpanches experience "proxy leadership." This means they are sarpanches in name only, with male relatives (husbands, fathers, or sons) making decisions.
Deep-rooted patriarchal norms contribute to men dominating positions of power, even when women are formally elected.
Many elected women, particularly in rural areas, lack formal education and understanding of governance structures, making them dependent on others.
Government-appointed officials often fail to provide adequate support and guidance to women leaders.
Male relatives sometimes offer help with tasks like supervising projects or ensuring safety, but this can undermine the woman's authority.
Developmental progress stagnates and funds can be misused when women are not truly in charge.
Women leaders become voiceless despite holding office, contradicting the goal of women's empowerment.
Voters lose faith in local governance when they see that elected women are not actually leading.
Implement measures to curb proxy leadership, as seen in states like Haryana addressing "sarpanch pati" culture.
Provide high-quality, structured training programs covering governance, budgeting, planning, financial management, communication, digital literacy, and relevant technologies.
Advocate for a minimum 12th-grade education qualification for sarpanches to equip them to handle governance responsibilities independently.
Increase honorarium and provide meaningful sitting fees to ensure serious participation.
Provide smartphones and official transport to enhance independence and ability to perform duties.
Appoint civil engineers or supervisors as personal technical assistants to reduce reliance on male family members.
Design effective policies to report proxy leadership while protecting women leaders from harassment.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. "Reservation policies have increased women’s participation but failed to ensure their actual empowerment." Critically analyze. 150 words |
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