Answer: 

Introduction:

The reservation of seats for women in institutions of local self-government, such as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies, was introduced through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992. The objective of this policy is to ensure adequate representation of women in local governance, promote gender equality, and empower women to participate in decision-making processes.

Body:

The reservation of seats for women has had a positive impact in several ways:

• Increased representation: The policy has significantly increased the number of women in local governance, fostering gender diversity in decision-making.
• Empowerment: Women who have participated in local self-government institutions have gained confidence and developed leadership skills.
• Decision-making: The presence of women in local governance has led to a greater focus on women-centric issues, such as health, education, and sanitation.
• UN Women (2012) report: This report highlights the success stories of women leaders in Panchayati Raj Institutions across India. It showcases how the reservation policy has empowered women to take up leadership roles and positively impact their communities by focusing on issues such as education, health, and women’s safety.

However, the reservation policy has faced limitations in addressing the patriarchal character of the Indian political process:

• Proxy candidates: In some cases, women who are elected serve as proxy candidates for their male relatives, undermining the true intent of reservation policies.
• Lack of resources and training: Many elected women representatives lack the necessary resources, training, and support to effectively participate in the political process, limiting their impact on governance.
• Entrenched gender stereotypes: Patriarchal norms and gender stereotypes continue to influence societal attitudes towards women in politics, often undermining their authority and effectiveness as leaders.
• Ban and Rao (2008) study: This study examined the impact of women’s reservation in Karnataka. The researchers found that while reservation increased women’s representation in local governance, many women leaders lacked the necessary resources, training, and support to effectively participate in the political process, leading to limited empowerment and influence.

Conclusion:

While the reservation of seats for women in local self-government institutions has increased representation and led to some positive outcomes, it has had a limited impact on the deeply entrenched patriarchal character of the Indian political process. To effectively address this issue, a comprehensive approach is needed, including gender sensitization programs, capacity-building initiatives for women leaders, and concerted efforts to challenge and change societal norms and expectations surrounding gender roles in politics.

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