Question

What do you mean by empowerment explain the role of panchayats as an agent of political empowerment?

Answer 1

Empowerment in any sphere plays an important role in molding the social, economic, and political life of people in all communities. As such, empowerment is a universal phenomenon

Answer 2

Explanation:

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment passed by the Parliament in the year 1993 was a pioneering step in decentralising political power in India. Since all eligible voters of the village can participate in the Gram Sabha(GS), it is a channel to include the less privileged section of society and ensure their participation in the village level governance wherein they can advocate their developmental aspirations. This bottom-up approach is meant to reflect felt need of various stakeholders. GS is a vital as a decision-making body at the bottom. This process reflects practice of direct democracy at the village level while governance system at the state and union level is indirect or representative type. The relationship between the elected representatives of the panchayat and gram sabha is visualised to be similar to that of the cabinet and assembly.

   The 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats in the country have been entrusted to provide basic services in the villages and plan for local economic development. The decision making process of the panchayats is such that the Gram Sabha (GS) discusses the development work plans of the GP called Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and the elected representatives execute the plans. Formulation of GPDP improves efficiency of public services.

The participation of women representatives including members rom weaker sections appears to have increased substantially over the years mainly on account of affirmative action. Various studies indicate that women leaders are less corrupt, are able to provide more public goods of equal quality at effective price and consider women's preferences to improve overall governance.

       Thus, panchayat have empowered weaker sections of society including women politically and socially making them more vocal about their problems but due to illiteracy studies have also found that women representatives are depend on husbands and male officials, especially in taking decisions with regard to village development programmes.