WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN INDIAN PANCHAYAT RAJ INSTITUTIONS: SELECTED CASE STUDIES

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of women’s participation in Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the reservations being implemented in Tamil Nadu towards the process of women empowerment. The study on participation of women in local governance plays a pivotal role in the general process of advancement of women. Without the active participation of women and the incorporation of women’s perspective at all level of decision-making the goals of equality, development and peace cannot be achieved. The changes taking place in the realm of women due to 73^rd Amendment in the modern era are important for understanding of the differences between traditional and modern social structure. It should examine and elucidate that how change in agents i.e. reservation and participation of women in local governance are raising consciousness of women’s issues and bringing about the changes in the institutional structures and processes influencing the governance discourse in itself. So the present study of women in local governance assumes greater importance in the contemporary society, especially so for women. Many of the Indian Scholars have eminent contribution on the concept of governance at the grassroots and role of women in it. They have greatly contributed into the notion of governance and participation of women in public and private domain.