To what extent has 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian Constitution enhanced women's empowerment?. (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 1)
Decentralising power at the grassroots; level was on the national agenda for many years. It became a reality through the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution in April 1993. The 73rd amendment, among other things, handed over the reins of power to the people at the panchayat level with a 33 per cent reservation of certain seats and key positions within the panchayat to women. The amendment also made it mandatory for all states to hold gram panchayat and municipal elections and empowered these bodies to undertake development activities at the local level.
- Women are developing self-confidence and taking self-initiative to fight against discrimination.
- Women are getting a platform to make their decisions.
- Women are taking steps to come forward and educate other women about education, hygiene, alcohol abuse, etc.
- Every year, the Institute of Social Sciences (ISS) hosts conferences on Panchayati Raj and women’s political, social, and economic empowerment. At these major gatherings, elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and members of NGOs, notable academicians, social workers, government officials, and media personalities from throughout India attend. The ISS 1995 conference focused on the issues that Panchayats face, with a specific focus on the issues that women members and office bearers face. The participants were completely in agreement on the actions that needed to be done to enhance the system so that women can play their intended role in establishing self-reliant, wealthy communities and, as a result, a lively and thriving society.
- Women are rising to the occasion and preparing to engage in politics at a grassroot level in the spirit of self-governance as devoted citizens.
- More than one million women have actively participated in India’s political life as a result of the Indian Panchayat Raj Institutions’ experience. Up to one-third of seats in panchayats (chairman and members) are reserved for women.
- Women are also working to end child marriage and child domestic labour, as well as promote female education. Furthermore, women have utilized their political power to address crucial concerns such as excellent health care.
Women’s empowerment requires more than local reservations and women’s involvement in Panchayati Raj institutions because the mindset that women are meant for households has still not changed, women are still not educated. Still, women are oppressed and are denied their rights and they face many more hurdles. But the PRIs are great initiatives to make women strong either politically, economically, or socially.
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