Analyse how the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments have strengthened women’s political participation at the grassroots level. In your answer, discuss (i) reservation of seats for women, (ii) creation of separate women’s committees, and (iii) the challenges that limit their effectiveness.
Answer
The 73rd and 74th Amendments have increased women’s grassroots representation through a 33 % reservation of seats and mandated women’s committees, yet challenges such as proxy representation, patriarchal social norms, and limited capacity continue to curtail their full empowerment.
Step-by-step solution
- State that the 73rd (rural) and 74th (urban) Amendments introduced provisions for women’s representation in Panchayats and Municipalities.
- Explain provision (i): One‑third of the total seats, including those of chairpersons, are reserved for women, ensuring a minimum of 33 % representation.
- Explain provision (ii): The amendments mandate the formation of ‘Mahila Sabhas’ in Panchayats and ‘Women’s Committees’ in Municipalities to discuss issues affecting women.
- Identify challenge (a): Proxy representation where male relatives contest elections on behalf of women, undermining genuine participation.
- Identify challenge (b): Deep‑rooted patriarchal attitudes that limit women’s decision‑making power even after being elected.
- Identify challenge (c): Limited training and capacity‑building opportunities for newly elected women representatives.
Common mistake: Overlooking the practical challenges (proxy representation, social norms) and assuming reservation alone guarantees effective participation.
Concept tested: Women’s grassroots empowerment
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