Government Reports Increase in Women Elected to Panchayati Raj Institutions
Govt claims women winning unreserved panchayat seats in ‘significant numbers’
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
The Union Government announced that women now make up over 49.7% of elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), with many winning unreserved seats. While the Constitution mandates 33% reservation for women, 19 states and union territories have increased this to 50%.
- 01Women constitute over 49.7% of elected panchayat representatives.
- 02The Constitution mandates 33% reservation for women in local bodies.
- 0319 states and union territories have extended this to 50% reservation.
- 04Only 10 states/UTs exceed the prescribed quota for women representatives.
- 05Four states/UTs failed to meet the reservation quota.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
As the National Panchayati Raj Day approaches on April 24, the Union Government reported that women now represent over 49.7% of elected officials in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), a significant increase attributed to the implementation of women's reservation policies. The Constitution of India mandates a 33% reservation for women in urban and rural local bodies, but 19 states and union territories have taken steps to reserve 50% of seats for women. However, data submitted to Parliament in 2025 indicated that only 10 states and union territories exceeded the mandated quota, with women representatives surpassing the threshold by 0 to 5 percentage points. Additionally, four states and union territories did not meet the reservation requirement, while five others barely met the minimum percentage. This highlights both progress and challenges in achieving gender parity in local governance.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The increase in women representatives in local governance can lead to more inclusive decision-making and policies that address women's issues directly.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support increasing women's reservation in local governance to 50%?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.
