Question : Participation of Women in Panchayats

a) the number of women sarpanchs in the country, State/UT-wise;
b) the present status of participation of women in Gram Panchayats;
c) whether the Union Government has received complaints from them with regard to harassment, non-cooperation and other matters;
d) if so, the number of such complaints received during the last three years and the current year and the follow-up action taken by the Union Government thereon, State/UT-wise; and
e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Union Government to increase participation of women in panchayats?

MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ
(SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)
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(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN PARTS (a) to (e) IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 122 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.11.2016 REGARDING PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN PANCHAYATS


(a )& (b): As per information available, details of women sarpanchs are given at Annexe-I. As per the information received from the States/UTs, there are about 13.42 lakh Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) including women sarpanchs in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). A statement showing number of Elected Women Representatives is at Annexe-II Article 243D (4) of the Constitution ensures participation of women in PRIs by mandating one-third reservations for women in seats and offices of chairpersons in Panchayats. Government is encouraging increased involvement of the women in the functioning of Panchayats through active participation in the Gram Sabha Meetings for preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans and various schemes being implemented by the Panchayats.

(c) & (d): Generally, complaints pertaining to Elected Women Representatives are written to States, this being a State subject. Ministry has received two complaints – one each in 2015-16 & 2016-17 - of harassment and non-cooperation from woman sarpanchs. These have been addressed to the concerned State Governments for redressal of grievances.

(e): The Ministry issues advisories from time to time to State/UT Governments to enhance the presence and participation of women in Panchayats.

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