Challenges for Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions: A Study of Hailakandi District

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n6.019

Keywords:

Women empowerment, Panchayati Raj, proxy leadership, societal barriers, capacity gaps

Abstract

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 opened doors for women’s political participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through reserved seats. However, this study of Hailakandi District highlights that elected women representatives (EWRs) continue to face significant challenges like proxy leadership, societal barriers, capacity gaps, and financial dependence. Findings show that 81% of EWRs do not make decisions independently, with husbands or male relatives exerting control. Social barriers such as patriarchal norms, mobility restrictions, and gender inequality hinder women’s effective leadership. Capacity gaps in education, financial independence, and understanding political processes further weaken their autonomy. Financial dependence is stark, with 96% of EWRs relying on male family members. These challenges undermine the true spirit of women’s empowerment intended by reservations, limiting EWRs’ ability to act independently and effectively represent their communities in grassroots governance.

Author Biography

Dr. Mithun Nath, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Lala Rural College, Lala

Mithun Nath is associated with Lala Rural College, Lala affiliated to the Assam University, Silchar as Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science. He is specialized in Indian Politics and has contributed many articles and research papers in reputed journals and edited books. He has conducted researches on local politics, grass-root democracy, decentralization etc. He obtained his Ph,D. degree from Assam University, Silchar in 2012 on the topic- Patterns of Leadership in the Panchayati Raj Institutions in Assam: A Study of Hailakandi District. Currently he is working on the prospects and challenges of Act East Policy of the Government of India.

References

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Published

16-06-2025

How to Cite

Nath, M. (2025). Challenges for Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions: A Study of Hailakandi District. RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 10(6), 185–192. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n6.019