The Supreme Court of India was recently approached by the Mundona Rural Development Foundation, an NGO, regarding the issue of “sarpanch-patism” in the panchayat system. The court clarified that it is not within its jurisdiction to deal directly with this concern but recommended the NGO communicate with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The government was urged to take proper action to enhance women’s power and execute reservation goals.
Understanding “Sarpanch-patism”
Sarpanch-patism refers to a scenario where men, acting as “sarpanch-pati, sarpanch-devar, pradhan-pati”, hold the true political and decision-making power behind the women who are elected as sarpanchs or pradhans in the panchayat system. This undermines the essence and aim of women’s reservation in panchayats, introduced by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, to empower women at the grassroots level and improve their socio-economic conditions through representative democracy.
Sarpanch-patism infringes upon the constitutional rights and dignity of women, reducing them to “faceless wives and daughters-in-law” in grassroots politics. It robs them of their agency, autonomy, and voice in public affairs. It also impacts the quality and effectiveness of governance and service delivery, creating a divide between the elected representatives and the citizens. Furthermore, it leads to corruption and the misuse of funds.
The Challenges of Tackling Sarpanch-Patism
Overcoming patriarchal norms, attitudes, and practices that impede women’s participation and empowerment in public life poses a significant challenge. Additionally, resisting political interference, pressure, and violence from dominant groups or parties that seek to control or influence panchayats is another hurdle. Socio-economic barriers such as poverty, illiteracy, lack of mobility, etc., limit women’s access to resources and opportunities. Lastly, finding a balance between domestic responsibilities and public roles for women without compromising their health or well-being presents another challenge.
Constitutional Provisions for Women Representation in PRIs
The Article 243D of the Constitution of India, inserted through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1992, requires a minimum of a one-third reservation for women in PRIs nationwide. This quota has been increased to 50% reservation in several states like Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, etc. The same article also dictates that one-third of the total number of seats and offices of the Chairpersons in PRIs at each level shall be reserved for women.
Government Efforts to Promote Women in PRIs
To enhance PRIs’ capacities for responsive rural governance, the government launched the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) in 2018. This initiative, aiming to leverage technology and resources for sustainable solutions aligned with SDGs, also incentivizes women’s participation in PRIs. Furthermore, the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) guidelines relevant to Women Empowerment include proactive participation of women in budgeting, planning, implementation, and monitoring of GPDP—calling Mahila Sabhas prior to the general Gram Sabhas and including them in Gram Sabhas and GPDP.
Way Forward
Provide capacity building and leadership development programs for women representatives, strengthen the role and function of gram sabhas (village assemblies) to ensure the participation and accountability of women representatives. Create awareness and sensitization campaigns among men and women on gender equality and democracy. Ensure adequate financial and administrative support for women representatives. Enact laws and policies to prevent and punish sarpanch-patism and other forms of proxy politics.
