Political Representation of Women in Panchayati Raj of Odisha: A Study in Balangir District

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2018 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 5 Issue 5

Year of Publication : 2018

Authors : Priyambada Hota

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V5I5P107

How to Cite?

Priyambada Hota, "Political Representation of Women in Panchayati Raj of Odisha: A Study in Balangir District," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 5,  no. 5, pp. 39-46, 2018. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V5I5P107

Abstract:

Modern political system develops on the edifice of the citizenry representation and participation. Representation usually refers to the representative democracy where interests of the people are articulated by an elite group. It requires the representation of a few to transmit the choices and preferences of the people to the legislative body. India being a vast nation is expected to strengthen the grassroots level besides the apex body. The grassroots that constitute the structure of the political system in India is the Panchayati Raj. It is the most viable political body accomplishing the primary objective of the democracy through which only the administration reach out to the people. This paper aims at examining the role, nature and extent of participation of women representatives in PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions) of Balangir district in Odisha. This study has followed the empirical method collecting primary sources endeavouring to reveal the real representation of women in PRIs. The primary sources have been collected through personal interviews, attending Panchayat meetings from time to time. The secondary sources include the relevant literature relating PRIs Act and from various journals, reports, documents and other published literature. Following the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1997, 2002, 2007 and 2012 elections to PRIs bodies were held in Odisha. This study includes the role and nature of participation of women representatives elected in 2007 election. Out of 1492 women representatives of PRIs 500 are selected for interview based on random sampling method. Empirical evidences of this study reveal that there is poor participation of women despite considerable number of women appear in PRIs. There are various dimensions for non-participation of women like illiteracy, poverty, backwardness, patriarchy. It is apparent that large scale representation of women in PRIs would not necessarily lead to true democracy. Rather it would be ridiculous on the part of women since they have to encounter multifarious difficulties during their tenure. Real representation of women in PRIs can never be possible unless they are adequately qualified, trained and capable enough to tackle any type problems. It is imperative for the society bringing forth attitudinal changes of the people a developed nation can be built.

Keywords:

Political Representation, governance, IPU, Patriarchy, representative democracy, CSWI, Orissa Gram Panchayat Acts, KBK region, political participation, SHG.

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