Revisiting women empowerment in Rural Local Governing Institutions: India's Tryst with Gender Just Local Governance

Volume : VII, Issue : VII, July - 2018

Ms. Arati Behera, Dr. Smita Nayak

Democracy is misnamed without participation of the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of the citizenry in

the political process. In most of democratise of world women found to be the most secluded community in the

political process. Democracy to be participating needs gender equality in political recruitment. Political participation and empowerment of

women still continue to be the most pertinent and dominant public policy debate in India. Political participation of women in grass root

democracy in India was highly deplorable till the passing of 73rd constitutional amendment of 1992. The Act for the 􀃶rst time in the annals of

local self government provided for gender equality in grass root democracy in India. The present paper analyses the paradigm shift in nature

and extent of political participation of women of India in grass root democracy in the aftermath of 73rd constitutional Amendment. The

paper highlights the pioneering role of Odisha in the direction of women empowerment in grass root democracy and engendering local self

governance.