Women in Gram Panchayats

This book focuses on the system of Panchayati Raj from Indian grassroots political point of view. It brought about system as democratization of the villages and democratic politics of India. At grassroots level, Panchayati Raj institutions have to be important democratic channels through which welfare of marginalized sections of society and of women is realized. So far, special representation has been given to them in Panchayati Raj institutions through the system of direct elections and nomination to local councils. The Seventy-third Constitutional Amendment Act has been hailed as a revolutionary step towards decentralization of power and governance. The present study aims to understand the nature and impact of women's leadership in the Panchayati Raj, with special reference to the villages of Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh. The study examines whether women Sarpanches have made a real difference in these villages. The present study is partly based on empirical research apart from policy review. the book will appeal to all those who are interested in grassroots politics and representative democracy in India including policy making professionals, scholars, development professionals and N.G.Os.