Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) Panel Proposes Measures to Eliminate Proxy Participation in PRIs
The committee's report, titled "Transforming Women’s Representation and Roles in Panchayati Raj Systems and Institutions: Eliminating Efforts for Proxy Participation," outlines recommendations for addressing proxy participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
In the case of Mundona Rural Development Foundation vs. Union of India (2023), the Supreme Court directed the formation of a committee to investigate proxy participation within PRIs.
Women’s Reservation in PRIs
- Constitutional Mandate: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) established a three-tiered panchayat system and mandated a 1/3rd reservation of seats for women in PRIs.
- This quota has been extended to nearly 50% in 21 states, with Bihar being the first state to implement it.
- Current Representation: Women make up 46.6% of elected panchayat representatives.
Issue of Proxy Representation
- Many women elected to PRIs are reduced to figureheads, with male relatives (such as the sarpanch pati) exercising control.
- This undermines the effectiveness of women as leaders and contradicts the purpose of the reservation system.
Key Reforms Suggested by the Committee
Strict Penalties: The committee recommends severe penalties for cases of male interference, although specific details remain undefined.
Stronger Policies: The committee advocates for gender-exclusive quotas similar to those in Kerala, public swearing-in ceremonies for women, and the formation of women’s panchayat federations.
Technological Solutions: Proposed innovations include virtual reality simulation training and AI-powered, query-driven systems that provide real-time legal guidance to Women Elected Representatives (WERs) in regional languages.
Accountability Mechanisms: The committee suggests setting up helplines, watchdog committees, and offering rewards to whistleblowers who report proxy leadership.
Panchayat Nirnay Portal: A digital platform will be used to track elected pradhans' participation in meetings and decision-making, allowing citizens to monitor their involvement.
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