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GS Paper: GS2

  • Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role or the Estimates Committee.

    According to LS speaker Om Birla, Parliamentary Committees are the “backbone of parliamentary democracy.

    Parliamentary committees

    Standing Committees – PAC, Estimate committee, Committee on public undertaking

    Ad-Hoc Committees – Eg- JPC

    Importance of Parliamentary Committees

    Checks and Balances – Eg- PAC examined CAG’s 2G spectrum report for irregularities.

    In-Depth Policy Analysis – Enable clause-by-clause scrutiny of Bills, which is not possible in open House debates. Eg- JPC on Data Protection Bill (2019) proposed over 90 amendments

    Reducing Legislative Workload – Committees share Parliament’s burden, ensuring thorough scrutiny without delaying legislation.

    Expert Consultation – Committees invite experts, industry, and civil society to promote evidence-based policymaking.

    Budgetary Oversight – Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) analyse ministry budgets to ensure fiscal prudence.

    Consensus Building – Committees promote bipartisan dialogue, e.g., IT Committee built consensus on the Personal Data Protection Bill (2019).

    Public Engagement – Committees seek public and expert inputs, e.g., Standing Committee on Environment reviewed the EIA Draft Notification (2020).

    Continuity in Oversight – Committees function year-round, ensuring continuous policy review beyond parliamentary sessions.

    Bridging Knowledge Gaps – Committees enhance MPs’ expertise through research support and technical briefings.

    Role of the Estimates Committee

    Established under Rule 310 of the Lok Sabha, it has 30 Lok Sabha members and is chaired by a ruling party MP.

    Examines budget estimates to ensure efficiency, economy, and effectiveness.

    Suggests alternative policies for better fiscal management and administrative reform.

    Monitors implementation of government schemes and performance of ministries.

    Eg- Under Murli Manohar Joshi (2018), it reviewed PSU disinvestment and defence procurement, highlighting fiscal prudence.

    In the words of Woodrow Wilson, “Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition, while Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work.”

  • Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process – Discuss.

    The Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 41), envisions a welfare state that ensures social justice and empowerment of vulnerable sections. However, their impact is limited due to design and implementation gaps.

    Absence of awareness and active involvement

    Policy Making

    Poor Representation in Design – Lack of beneficiary consultation leads to top-down, one-size-fits-all schemes. Eg- uniform guidelines under PMAY

    Absence of local participation results in policies ignoring grassroots realities.

    Misallocation of Priorities- Without local input, funds get diverted to non-core activities. Eg- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao spent 80% of funds on publicity

    Political populism and short termism rather than long term capability building approach. Eg- Farm Loan Waiver

    Policy Implementation

    Limited Awareness of Rights and Entitlements – Eg- MGNREGA workers rarely claim unemployment allowance due to ignorance of provisions.

    Poor Coordination – Absence of SHGs, PRIs, and NGOs in execution leads to leakages and inefficiency. Eg- leakages in PDS

    Digital and Social Exclusion – Digital illiteracy limits registration and access.

    Policy Monitoring

    Weak Social Accountability Mechanisms – Eg- Social audits under MGNREGA are irregular in several states.

    Absence of Community Oversight- Eg- NFSA grievance redressal committees underperform due to lack of public participation.

    Crisis Management

    In disasters, schemes fail to respond effectively due to missing local coordination. Eg- Migrant crisis during COVID-19 lockdown

    Weak Role of Civil Society in Emergency Delivery- Limited engagement with NGOs reduces last-mile efficiency.

    However, there are few success stories

    Mid-Day Meal (POSHAN) -Reduced hunger and educational deprivation.

    Direct Benefit Transfer saved 3.48 lakh crore of government.

    Social Audit of MGNREGA – Andhra Pradesh Model

    Participatory Democracy – Peoples Plan Campaign of Kerala

    Way Forward

    Institutionalising Social Audit and Citizen Charters with legal backing

    Strengthening Grassroot democracy through effective devolution and principle of subsidiarity

    Bottom-up Planning – Porto Alegre Brazil Model

    Inclusive Development- Involve SHGs, and CSOs in design, execution, and feedback.

    Ensuring “people-centric governance” through information, inclusion, and participation aligns with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”

  • “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples.

    Former US president Barack Obama called India-US relationship as the most defining partnership of the 21st century. However, in recent years there has been friction in ties due to geopolitical and geoeconomic divergence.

    Roots of Friction- Divergent Strategic Worldviews

    India’s Pursuit of Strategic Autonomy vs US Alliance Model – India’s “strategic hedging” with neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war (2022-24) frustrated the US. Eg- 50% Tariff

    USA’s relationship with Pakistan (recent mineral deal) weakens India’s efforts against Terrorism.

    Fear of USA’s policy of Bait and Bloodletting in India-China relations

    Gap between expectation and recognition – Eg- While the US promotes India as a “pillar of the Indo-Pacific strategy,” it doesn’t offer India the same status as treaty allies like Japan or Australia

    Divergence in Regional Priorities – India’s immediate concerns include China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), whereas US priorities Pacific Ocean in QUAD.

    Geoeconomic Issues – US tightening H-1B visa policies or reinstate Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

    U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan (2021) and its aftermath posed regional security concerns for India

    Multilateralism issues – Eg- Disputes on data localization, intellectual property, and agricultural access under WTO

    US sanctions under CAATSA threatened S-400 missile system deal and Chabahar port in Iran

    Human Rights – US criticism of India’s domestic policies (e.g., on religious freedom, digital regulation, or Kashmir) is viewed by India as interference in internal affairs.

    India’s National Self-Esteem and Strategic Ambitions

    Strategic Autonomy and issue based partnerships based on enlightened self interest

    Recognition as an independent global power – Rightful Place in comity of nations.

    Permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

    Technology access and defense co-production as an equal partner.

    Leadership in Global South diplomacy.

    Efforts to Bridge the Gap

    India-US civil nuclear deal of 2008

    Initiatives on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) aim for joint R&D in AI, 5G, and quantum tech.

    GE-HAL jet engine co-production, semiconductor MoUs, and defense logistics agreements (LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA).

    Framework agreement to expand defence cooperation over the next 10-years.

    Way Forward

    Balance Strategic Autonomy with Global Cooperation on shared interests – counterterrorism, climate change, and technology governance.

    Engage more actively in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), promote supply chain resilience, and sustainable infrastructure partnerships.

    Prioritize co-production and joint R&D in advanced defense technologies such as cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and surveillance.

    A stronger India-US partnership anchored in mutual respect, collaboration, and global leadership can advance regional stability and multipolar global governance

  • “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate.

    The international system is shifting from the ‘unipolar’ and Western-led liberal order to a more ‘hybrid’, decentralised and polycentric system (‘multi-polar’ world order). In this context, India’s role has also transformed as an emerging global power.

    India’s Earlier Role as a Voice of the Marginalised

    The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) promoted strategic autonomy and South-South solidarity against superpower blocs.

    Economic Advocacy- At UNCTAD and G77, India pushed for a New International Economic Order (NIEO) to reform global trade and finance.

    Decolonisation- Eg- opposition to apartheid in South Africa

    Disarmament Diplomacy- Advocated global nuclear disarmament.

    WTO Diplomacy – Advocacy for Doha Agenda

    Shift in India’s Global Posture – Rise of Realpolitik

    Economic Liberalisation (1991)- Shift from Third World solidarity to global integration. Eg- recent FTA with UK

    Shift from Non-Alignment to Multi Alignment – Strategic Partnerships with US, Japan, France, and Israel based on Enlightened self interest.

    Membership in Quad, SCO, BRICS, and G20, signal pragmatic engagement beyond ideological blocs.

    Nuclear Tests (1998)- Assertion of national power replaced earlier moral idealism.

    Energy & Security Diplomacy- India’s West Asia, I2U2, and Indo-Pacific strategies reflect a realist pursuit of interests.

    Reduced Role in NAM– Eg- PM Modi skipping NAM Summit

    India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy align with global power equations and economic interests.

    Strategic Balancing- Maintaining relations with US (Quad), Russia (defence), and China (BRICS/SCO) reflects sophisticated multi-vector diplomacy.

    However, India Still Asserts Its Ethical Stance and Voice of the Global South

    South-South Cooperation- India extends Lines of Credit, ITEC training, and humanitarian aid to 160+ nations.

    Humanitarian diplomacy under Vaccine Maitri (2021)- Supplied vaccines to over 90 countries.

    Voice of Global South Summit (2023)- representing Global South concerns on debt, food, and digital inclusion.

    Climate Justice Advocacy- India’s stand for common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR).

    Digital Public Goods Diplomacy- Eg- promotion of India Stack and UPI models in Africa.

    Ethical Multilateralism- Eg- call for UNSC reform and rule-based global order, rooted in the civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“One Earth, One Family, One Future”).

    The world order today is in ‘flux’ (M. K. Narayanan). Issue based partnerships rather than alliances is the order of the day (S. Jaishankar)

  • The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process.

    The Indian Constitution envisions a Welfare State under the DPSP (Articles 36-51), mandating the State to ensure social, economic, and political justice through equitable development.

    Need for Cooperation Among Service Sectors

    Complex Interdependence – Development issues are multi-dimensional.

    Integrated Development Approach

    Inter-sectoral Coordination

    Efficiency and Resource Optimization

    Innovation and Knowledge Sharing

    Inclusive Governance and development through participation

    Accountability and Transparency

    India’s Development Process through Collaborative Partnerships

    Government-Private Sector Partnership (PPP) – Eg- Smart Cities Mission, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

    Inter-Governmental Collaboration – Eg- NITI Aayog’s Governing Council, PM Gati Shakti Master Plan

    Government-Civil Society Partnership – Eg- SEWA and PRADAN partner with government programmes for women’s empowerment and livelihoods.

    Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCP) – Eg- Swachh Bharat Mission combines government funding, corporate CSR, and community action.

    Technology and Data Collaborations – Eg- UPI integrate government, fintech, and private service sectors.

    Achievements

    Economic – Fastest growing Economy

    Infrastructure Efficiency through PPPs

    PPP projects worth under implementation (DEA, 2024).

    NH construction speed increased from 12 km/day (2014) to 37 km/day (2023).

    Financial Inclusion via Digital Collaboration

    UPI transactions exceeded ; serves 491 million individuals and 65 million merchants.

    JAM trinity enabled by eliminating subsidy leakages (BlueKraft, 2024).

    Water and Sanitation Progress through Multi-Stakeholder Models

    Jal Jeevan Mission: 15 crore households connected to tap water (2025).

    Swachh Bharat Mission: Rural open defecation reduced from 55% (2014) to near zero (2020).

    Decentralized Development through Cooperative Federalism

    15th Finance Commission devolved directly to PRIs and ULBs for local service delivery.

    Aspirational Districts Programme: 95% districts show improvement in health & education indicators (NITI Aayog, 2023).

    Self-Help Group (SHG) movement: 9.3 crore women linked to banks under DAY-NRLM, with credit linkage of (2024).

    Limitations

    Institutional Fragmentation – Overlapping jurisdictions and poor coordination between Centre, State, and local bodies. Eg- Delays in PM Awas Yojana (Urban)

    Capacity Deficit at Local Levels – lack of 3F’s

    Incomplete or outdated local datasets hinder data-driven decision-making.

    Weak Accountability – Eg- Inadequate social audit mechanisms

    Digital Divide – Eg- NFHS-5 (2021) showed only 43% of rural households have internet access, affecting e-governance uptake.

    Trust Deficit between Stakeholders – Eg- CSO perceived as anti-development or foreign influenced.

    Funding and Regulatory Constraints: Tightened FCRA norms and compliance burdens for NGOs.

    Way Forward for Collaborative Partnerships

    Adopt Best Practices

    Kerala’s People’s Plan Campaign

    Participatory Budgeting in porto alegre brazil

    Institutional Convergence and Coordination – Eg- Expand PM Gati Shakti model to social sectors like health and education.

    Capacity Building through Digital Governance – Eg- Kerala’s Information Kerala Mission digitized local governance workflows.

    Decentralized Governance based on principle of subsidiarity.

    Data Integration through NDAP, GIS platforms, and PRAGATI dashboards for evidence-based decisions.

    A coordinated, transparent, and participatory relations between various service sectors can truly make development inclusive, sustainable and rapid.

  • ‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-Discuss.

    The Indian Constitution envisions a Welfare State under the DPSP (Articles 36-51), mandating the State to ensure social, economic, and political justice through equitable development. Neo-liberal paradigm of development planning has redefined how welfare objectives are pursued.

    Characteristics of the Neo-Liberal Paradigm of Development Planning

    Market Orientation – Eg- 1991 economic reforms.

    Decentralized Governance – Eg- 73rd & 74th Amendments.

    Outcome-Based Planning

    Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Eg- Smart Cities Mission.

    Ease of Doing Business

    Technology-Driven Governance – Eg- DBT.

    Fiscal Prudence – Eg- rationalisation of CSS

    Multi-Level Planning for Cost-Effectiveness

    Integrated Planning removes duplication and overlapping Eg- Aspirational Districts Programme converges 15+ central schemes for health, education, and livelihoods.

    Bottom-Up Planning ensures context-specific solutions reflecting local needs and geographies. Eg- Village Development Plans by Gram Sabhas

    Participatory Decision-Making empowers Gram Sabhas, SHGs, and local NGOs, leading to community ownership and reduced wastage. Eg- Social Audits under MGNREGA.

    Data-Driven planning and resource allocation. Eg- PM Gati Shakti Mission

    Fiscal Accountability – Eg- 15th Finance Commission introduced performance-linked local grants for service delivery.

    Multi-Level Planning for Removing Implementation Blockages

    Inter-Governmental Coordination among Centre, States, and Local Bodies. Eg- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan links 16 ministries through a single GIS platform for synchronized infrastructure rollout.

    Streamlined Administrative Processes reduces bureaucratic red tape and delays.

    Real-Time Monitoring allows early identification of bottlenecks and mid-course correction. Eg- PRAGATI platform facilitates top-level review and resolution of project delays.

    Capacity Building – Multi-tier structure enables technical support and training from higher levels to local planners. Eg- karmayogi iGot Platform

    Crisis Management – Decentralized governance strengthens resilience during natural disasters or pandemics.

    Challenges in Multi-Level Planning

    Institutional Fragmentation – Overlapping jurisdictions and poor coordination between Centre, State, and local bodies. Eg- Delays in PM Awas Yojana (Urban)

    Capacity Deficit at Local Levels – lack of 3F’s

    Fiscal Dependence on state and central grants. Eg- Only 10% of ULBs generate sufficient own-source revenue (NITI Aayog).

    Incomplete or outdated local datasets hinder data-driven decision-making.

    Political Centralization – Eg- District Planning Committees (Article 243ZD) remain underutilized in most states.

    Weak Accountability – Eg- Inadequate social audit mechanisms

    Way Forward for Strengthening Multi-Level Planning

    Adopt Best Practices

    Kerala’s People’s Plan Campaign

    Participatory Budgeting in porto alegre brazil

    Institutional Convergence and Coordination – Eg- Expand PM Gati Shakti model to social sectors like health and education.

    Capacity Building through Digital Governance – Eg- Kerala’s Information Kerala Mission digitized local governance workflows.

    Decentralized Governance based on principle of subsidiarity.

    Data Integration through NDAP, GIS platforms, and PRAGATI dashboards for evidence-based decisions.

    A coordinated, transparent, and participatory planning ecosystem can truly make development inclusive, sustainable and rapid.

  • “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss.

    The Attorney-General of India (Article 76), is the highest law officer of the Union Government. He plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring constitutional governance.

    Constitutional Position and Functions

    As legal adviser

    Legal Adviser to the Government (Article 76(2)) on matters referred to him by the President.

    Advisory Role in Legislation – Consulted in drafting Bills, Presidential references (Art. 143), and interpreting constitutional provisions.

    Ex-Officio Role – Participates in Parliamentary proceedings (without voting rights) to clarify legal positions.

    Facilitator of Constitutional Mechanism – By advising the President and other governmental bodies, the AG ensures the constitutionality of laws and executive actions, thus maintaining the integrity of the Constitution.

    As Lawyer of GoI

    Representation in Courts on behalf of the Union. Eg- in the Triple Talaq and Rafale Deal cases.

    Right of Audience in all Indian courts, even without being a party.

    Defends Union Actions – Represents the government in public interest litigations, constitutional disputes, and international arbitration matters. Eg- M.C. Setalvad (1950-1963) – Defended the constitutionality of preventive detention laws under Article 22 in A.K. Gopalan case

    Limitations

    Unlike the U.S. Attorney General, who heads the Department of Justice and oversees federal law enforcement, the Indian AG has no administrative or prosecutorial powers.

    No Fixed Tenure – Holds office at the President’s pleasure.

    Conflict of Interest – Can practice privately, though not against the government.

    Lacks constitutional safeguards or autonomy like the CAG or EC.

    Uncertain Service Conditions – Remuneration and terms decided by the executive.

    Limited Accountability – Not answerable to Parliament for advice or actions.

    Way Forward

    UK – Shawcross Principle– Ensures the AG’s independence in prosecutorial decisions

    Provide a minimum fixed term to safeguard the AG’s independence from executive pressure.

    Require periodic reporting to Parliament on key legal opinions and government litigation.

    Code of Ethics to ensure the AG upholds constitutional morality and political neutrality.

    Strengthening this office’s autonomy, institutional capacity, and ethical standards is vital for preserving the rule of law.

  • Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.

    The Parliament of India is the temple of democracy and an MP would act as a national trustee. However, as per Former VP, Hamid Ansari, Parliament has turned into ‘chamber of anarchy’ due to declining role and productivity of members.

    Functions of MPs

    Legislative Function – Making, amending, and repealing laws.

    Deliberative Function – Debating national policies and public issues.

    Executive Oversight Function – Question Hour, motions, committees

    Financial Function – Approving the Budget, Demands for Grants, and financial bills.

    Representative Function – Voicing citizens’ concerns and constituency interests.

    Indicators of Decline in Individual Parliamentarian’s Role

    Legislative Function

    Marginalization of Private Members’ Bills – Only 14 passed since 1952.

    Lack of thorough scrutiny of bills- During the term of the 17th LS, 58% of the Bills introduced were passed within two weeks of their introduction. Eg- the J&K Reorganisation Bill, 2019

    Weak research and knowledge support – Inadequate access to legislative data and expert analysis undermines quality of debates.

    Deliberative Function

    Decline in sitting days – From 120+ days (1950s) to around 55 days in 17th LS, curtailing deliberation

    Declining attendance- In 2021, average attendance dropped to 71% in the Lok Sabha and 74% in the Rajya Sabha.

    Frequent disruptions and adjournments – During the 17th Lok Sabha, MPs were suspended on 206 instances, across both Houses of Parliament. In Winter Session 2023, 146 MPs were suspended for serious misconduct in the House.

    Party whip system – Strict control discourages independent viewpoints and policy reasoning.

    Financial Function

    Between 2019 and 2023, on average, about 80% of the budget has been voted on without discussion. In 2023, the entire budget was passed without discussion.

    Decline in budget scrutiny – Detailed examination of Demands for Grants often guillotined without debate.

    Weak engagement with financial committees – Falling participation in PAC, Estimates Committee, etc.

    Executive Oversight Function

    Question Hour functioned for 60% of scheduled time in LS and 52% in Rajya Sabha.

    Underutilized parliamentary committees – Low attendance and poor follow-up dilute scrutiny of executive performance.

    Resort to Money Bill route undermines RS. Eg- Aadhar Act

    Consequences of the Decline in Individual Parliamentarian’s Role

    Reduced Accountability – Rushing bills like the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023 limits scrutiny and weakens executive oversight.

    Criminalization of politics – as per ADR data, 46% of MPs elected in 2024 have criminal cases pending.

    Poor Legislative Quality – Farm Laws (2020) passed with minimal debate led to backlash and repeal.

    Legislative Stagnation – Delay in passage of important bills due to disruption

    Judicial Intervention – Weak legislative performance prompts courts to step in (e.g., NGT, social justice rulings).

    Ordinance Culture – Fewer sittings have led to rising ordinances (11 in 2020), bypassing Parliament.

    Public Disillusionment – Citizens lose faith in Parliament’s deliberative and representative role.

    Democratic Imbalance – Executive consolidation weakens checks and balances, harming deliberative democracy.

    Diminishing role of opposition MPs – Reduced speaking time and political polarization undermine effective oversight.

    Way Forward-

    Increase Working Days- Eg- NCRWC (2002) recommended Parliament meet for at least 110 days a year; currently, it averages 60-70 days.

    Enhancing Parliamentary Decorum- Encourage a culture of respect, professionalism, and active participation in debates.

    Enhance Research Support for MPs- Eg- UK Parliament’s Research Service aids MPs in informed decision-making

    Engaging Responsible Opposition– allowing opposition to set agenda on lines of UK House of Commons

    Mandatory referral of Bills to Committee

    As former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu aptly stated, “Disorder, disruption, and delay should not replace debate, discussion, and decision, which form the edifice of parliamentary democracy.”

  • ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.

    UNESCO, established in 1945, promotes education, culture, heritage, and scientific cooperation as pillars of global peace.

    Context of US Withdrawal

    The United States withdrew from UNESCO in 2017, accusing it of anti-Israel bias.

    The trigger was UNESCO’s 2011 recognition of Palestine as a full member, and resolutions declaring East Jerusalem and Hebron as occupied Palestinian territories.

    The US described this as “politicization of culture”

    The US also objected to inefficient governance within the organization.

    It rejoined in 2023 but again withdrew in 2025 citing bias against Israel.

    Impact of the US Withdrawal

    Geopolitical Power Shift- Creates space for China’s greater influence within UNESCO.

    The US was UNESCO’s largest contributor (22% of its budget) – withdrawal caused program cuts.

    Cultural preservation, education, and global literacy programs suffered from lack of funds.

    Political polarization among members eroded UNESCO’s credibility and neutrality.

    Developing nations’ initiatives faced delays due to resource shortages.

    Highlights US unpredictability and undermines credibility of multilateral institutions

    Way Forward

    Depoliticize cultural resolutions and heritage conservation.

    Diversify funding sources to reduce reliance on a few donors.

    Strengthen transparency and consensus-based decision-making.

    Strengthen South-South and regional cooperation for promoting capacity-building in developing nations

    UNESCO’s revival requires inclusive governance and financial sustainability to rebuild global trust, credibility and address the ‘crisis of confidence’ in multilateralism.

  • “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self- government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.

    73rd and 74th CAA are the embodiment of grass-root democracy and democratic decentralization in India.

    Positive Impact on Women’s Political Participation

    Increased Representation- Over 14 lakh women representatives currently serve in local bodies (MoPR, 2024).

    Leadership Development- Eg- Sulata Deo started her career as Sarpanch and became MP from Odisha

    Enhanced Service Delivery- Women-led Panchayats prioritize water, sanitation, education, and health issues. Eg- Chhavi Rajawat (Rajasthan)

    Social Change Catalysts by challenging gender stereotypes in public decision-making.

    Women leaders have strengthened Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and livelihood initiatives, promoting inclusive development. Eg- Bina Devi (“Mushroom Mahila”)

    Persistent Patriarchal Barriers in Women’s Political Participation at the Local Level

    Political Barriers

    Proxy Representation- The “Sarpanch Pati” phenomenon – husbands or male relatives exercise real power.

    Political parties rarely nominate women beyond the mandated quota, restricting vertical mobility in politics.

    Tokenism- Representation often confined to fulfilling quotas rather than genuine empowerment or participation in governance.

    Institutional Barriers

    Institutional and Bureaucratic Dominance undermine elected women’s authority, especially in resource allocation and project execution.

    Limited Decision-Making Power- exclusion from key committees or budgetary discussions.

    Economic Barriers

    Economic Dependence on male family members limits independence in political and developmental decisions.

    Social barriers

    Women representatives face verbal abuse, threats, and social ostracism, especially when asserting authority.

    Cultural and Social Norms- restrict women’s mobility and participation in public life. Eg- purdah system.

    Lack of education and political training weakens women’s administrative confidence and negotiation skills.

    Intersectional Barriers- Women from SC/ST and minority communities face additional layer of discrimination.

    Way Forward

    Mandate political parties to allot a fixed percentage of tickets to women beyond local bodies to ensure vertical mobility in politics.

    Mentorship and role model initiatives led by successful women sarpanchs to inspire grassroots participation.

    Capacity Building– Establish State Institutes of Rural Development (SIRDs) as nodal agencies for PRI training.

    Manishankar Aiyar Committee recommendations.

    Create Panchayat Ombudsman for grievance redressal.

    Adopt activity mapping for clear delineation of 3Fs – Funds, Functions, Functionaries.

    “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” – Ambedkar

    True empowerment lies in transforming participation into power, ensuring women are policy-shapers, not placeholders.

    Elections