Socio-Economic Status of Women Participating in Panchayati Raj System of Naxal-Affected Areas

Abstract

The participation of women in Panchayati Raj institutions has given a new direction to their socio-economic development. By the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, under Articles 243 (D) and 243 (T) of the Constitution, one-third seats of members of local bodies and their heads were reserved for women respectively. In Madhya Pradesh, "Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Rajya and Gram Swarajya Act 1993" was made in compliance of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of the Constitution. Even after so many years of implementation of Panchayati Raj system, the level of participation of rural women is satisfactory, whether leadership has developed or not and how is their socio-economic status. This may be the subject of study. Because in the rural environment, due to illiteracy, conservatism, male dominated social system, economic and social inequality, lack of awareness affects the political participation and activity of rural women. Especially in Naxal affected areas where violent activities also take place. It is difficult to work. At present, Baihar, Paraswada, Birsa, Lanji, Kirnapur, Malajkhand etc. areas in Balaghat district are Naxal-affected areas. After so many years of implementation of Panchayati Raj system in such sensitive Naxal affected places, how is the socio-economic condition of rural women in Panchayati Raj system, it is an important topic. The question of ensuring the successful participation of women leadership in politics is relevant in the context of Naxal-affected areas at present. In the present research paper, socio-economic condition of women panch and sarpanches of Balaghat district in Naxal-dominated area of ​​Madhya Pradesh has been studied.