In Panchayats, women need to stop men ruling by proxy

On April 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the contribution of women in the functioning of Panchayats across the country. His remarks were made at a function in New Delhi to mark National Panchayati Raj Day. The PM touched upon one of the most sensitive topics that have been governing Panchayats ever since women were given quota to be part of the village governing body, thereby ending the rule of men and giving equal rights to their counterparts.

Modi called for ending the practice of “husbands of female Sarpanches”, also known as "Sarpanch Pati”, who exercise undue influence in the functioning of the village body. After women’s quota in Panchayats came into existence, men still continued to rule by proxy and made all decisions required to be done by women Panchs.

Considering this fact, women empowerment is by far lacking and changes need to be made in the entire set up. The primary thing that can be done is to apprise and educate women about the rights they have and how they can exercise them without any hindrance from anybody — even their husbands — with full support and cooperation of the law, the lawmakers and the law enforcers.

While the government makes all the policies regarding uplifting of women, it does not have the required manpower and means to check whether they are being enforced. This is where non-government organisations like JND Charitable Trust step in. The Trust is making it a point to apprise women and educate them about their rights, how they can exercise them and become independent decision makers, not just in their families but for the community at large.

We at JND Charitable Trust believe that it is women who shape the future generations as children spend most of their time interacting with their mothers. The level of education, the decision making capacity of women is what will influence children the most. If the children are taught, educated, and moulded by well-educated and empowered women, the future of the country will be in safer hands. If a woman is weak, then the household suffers in the future.

Just like the Prime Minister said, let us all take a pledge that if any woman in our family, or the community is given the chance to take up a governing post, then we will all support her and make sure that she is not influenced by anyone onto making bad decisions that could have an adverse impact on the community and the country at large.