A STUDY ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN PANCHAYAT RAJ INSTITUTIONS 

Abstract

Rural development of a country is the most prominent way to make a country stronger both economically and socially. Panchayat Raj Institutions perform the role of local-government to the rural areas; hence they play a very important role in the development. .Further, empowering women helps a country to have a sustainable development as women constitute nearly 50% of the population across world and even in India. Involving women into the mainstream of the development of the country helps them to contribute actively in the growth initiatives of the country. In India, today women share nearly 50% of the elected seats in the panchayats across country and even in few states they have 100% involvement. Many women have climbed the ladder and are successful Sarpanch in the villages. Panchayats has provided promising results in empowering the rural population and has helped them to become independent and self-sustainable.

Keywords: Panchayats, Panchayat Raj Institutions, PRI, Indian Constitution, 73rd Amendment, Women Empowerment, Devolution Index, Finance Commission, SHGs, SHGs Federations, Self Help Group, PRI-CBO Convergence