The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has ensured the effective and equitable functioning and access of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Article 243 D of the constitution provides for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Women. 21 states and two union territories have made provisions in their Panchayati Raj act/rules for 50% reserved seats for women. The ministry has been engaging with Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in workshops and seminars, to understand the best practices for women empowerment and leadership. The ministry also intends to enhance the functioning of EWRs to help them carry out their roles in the panchayat effectively. To strengthen the functioning and accountability of PRIs around the country, the government has launched the e-GramSwaraj. The major schemes and initiatives of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj include Fifteenth Finance Commission Grants to enable Panchayats to provide basic services to the rural population, Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan, The Central Sector Scheme of Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA), Scheme of Incentivisation of Panchayats, Thematic Gram Panchayat Development Plan, Citizen Charter Campaign and Common Service Centres.
Panchayati Raj: Strengthening Women’s Local Leadership
