About the Special Edition

This Special Edition features selected case studies from the National Case Study Competition, “Voices from the Grassroots: Women Leaders in Local Governance.” It was organized by the Rajiv Gandhi Study Circle (RGSC) with the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF). The initiative aims to provide broader academic exposure for these outstanding student researchers and to ensure that the stories of grassroots women leaders reach scholars, policymakers, and the wider public.

Each selected case study provides a unique perspective on how women leaders in Panchayats and Municipalities are transforming governance at the local level. These studies document inspiring journeys of leadership, resilience, and social change. They demonstrate how women's participation in local governance leads to significant social, cultural, and economic transformations.

This publication also celebrates the visionary reforms of Shri Rajiv Gandhi, who strengthened India’s democratic foundations through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. These historic reforms established decentralized governance and increased women’s representation in Panchayati Raj and municipal institutions. The case studies in this edition serve as real-world examples of how these reforms have empowered women to become effective leaders at the grassroots level.

By bringing together these research contributions, the Special Edition aims to act as both a scholarly resource and a testament to the success of democratic decentralization in India. It also showcases the passion and involvement of young researchers who are telling important stories of change in their communities.

This initiative provides an important opportunity for students and young scholars to participate in academic discussions, gain recognition at the national level, and see their work published on a peer-reviewed platform.

ISSN : 3107-4243 (Online)

Editor:  
Dr. Chayanika Uniyal