A panel set up by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has proposed “exemplary penalties” for proven cases of proxy leadership in Gram Panchayats. The committee, led by former mines secretary Sushil Kumar, aims to curb the practice of ‘Pradhan Pati’, ‘Sarpanch Pati’, or ‘Mukhiya Pati’, where male relatives take over leadership roles meant for elected women representatives.
“Exemplary penalties should be enforced for proven cases of proxy leadership, deterring male relatives’ interference,” the panel stated in its report, ‘Transforming Women’s Representation and Roles in Panchayati Raj Systems and Institutions: Eliminating Efforts for Proxy Participation’.
The ministry is now considering measures to implement these recommendations, including policy changes and structural reforms.
Measures to Empower Women Leaders
The committee suggested multiple initiatives to enhance the participation of Women Elected Representatives (WERs) in local governance.
Some key recommendations include:
– Gender-exclusive quotas in panchayat subject committees and ward-level committees, as seen in Kerala.
– Annual awards for Anti-Pradhan Pati champions to recognize those fighting against proxy leadership.
– Women’s ombudspersons to ensure fair representation.
– Public swearing-in ceremonies in Gram Sabhas to emphasize direct accountability.
– Federations of women panchayat leaders to create peer support networks.
– Gender resource centres offering leadership training, legal advice, and governance support.
Technological solutions were also suggested, such as virtual reality training, AI-driven legal guidance in regional languages, WhatsApp groups linking WERs with officials for real-time issue resolution, and the use of the Panchayat Nirnay Portal to track elected leaders’ participation and decision-making.
The Challenge of Proxy Leadership
Despite women comprising 46.6% of elected panchayat representatives, their actual involvement in governance remains limited. The practice of male relatives taking charge in their name is most prevalent in northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Rajasthan, according to a ministry official.
The advisory committee, formed on September 19, 2023, following a Supreme Court order, conducted research and consultations with state governments and stakeholders. It proposed continuous leadership training for women in regional languages, in collaboration with IIMs, IITs, and international agencies.
Additionally, it recommended oversight mechanisms such as helplines, watchdog committees, and whistleblower rewards to report and penalize proxy leadership.
By implementing these reforms, the government aims to ensure real empowerment for women in Panchayati Raj institutions, strengthening grassroots democracy.
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