National Workshop on Women’s Leadership in Panchayati Raj Institutions Highlights Grassroots Empowerment

New Delhi: To empower women leaders at the grassroots level, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized the National Workshop on Leadership by Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. This significant event, held ahead of the 78th Independence Day celebrations, brought together approximately 400 Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) and Elected Representatives (ERs) from PRIs across the country, acknowledging their critical role in the collective effort towards achieving a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Kiran Bedi, Former Lt. Governor of Puducherry and Founder of Navjyoti India Foundation, alongside key officials from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, including Secretary Shri Vivek Bharadwaj and Special Secretary Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar. The event highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in rural governance and underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Empowering Women in Panchayati Raj

Dr. Kiran Bedi, in her keynote address, emphasized the transformative power of women leaders in Panchayats and the vital role of PRIs in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. She urged the Panchayat representatives to stay informed about government schemes, regularly engage with their communities, and make decisions with impartiality and wisdom. Dr. Bedi commended the Ministry for organizing the workshop, describing it as a timely initiative that highlights the critical role of women in grassroots governance and sustainable development in rural areas.

Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the pivotal role of women in local governance and public service delivery at the grassroots level. He acknowledged the increasing participation of women in PRIs, attributing this rise to the Prime Minister’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative. Shri Bharadwaj highlighted the contributions of women in innovative programs such as “Drone Didi” and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which are instrumental in achieving the vision of an AtmaNirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Challenges and Opportunities for Women Leaders

The workshop also featured a panel session on the challenges and opportunities facing women leaders in Panchayats. The session included insights from prominent women leaders such as Smt. Uma Mahadevan, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka, and Smt. Pravinaben Sanjaybhai Rangani, President, Rajkot District Panchayat, Gujarat. The discussions focused on the importance of ending practices like “Sarpanch Pati” and empowering women to lead with confidence and autonomy.

Culmination of the National Workshop

As part of their visit to the National Capital, the Panchayat representatives were provided with enriching experiences, including a visit to the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Ministers’ Museum), which offers insights into India’s democratic journey and the contributions of its leaders. The visit will culminate in the representatives participating in the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, followed by a lunch function attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

The workshop was live-streamed on the Ministry’s YouTube channel and social media platforms, allowing a wider audience to benefit from the discussions and insights shared during the event.