ACaseStudy onWomenleadership in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) at the GramPanchayat level

Abstract

This case study focuses on the life and accomplishments of Smt. Manju devi from the other backward Caste
(OBC) community of Hariballampur Panchayat. This Panchayat is located in the Muhamdabad block of District
Ghazipur and Smt.vandana Singh from Palia Mutalke kuchera gram Panchayat in Milkipur block of district
Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh. The case study investigates how elected female PRI leaders manage to fulfill their
positions in spite of the region's strong patriarchal and conventional social standards.
The necessary data, such as the respondents' demographic profile, the factors influencing EWR in carrying out
their jobs, and their expectations and recommendations for improved leadership, were elicited through the use of
interview schedules, observations, and focused group discussions (FGDs).
Their story serves as a potent illustration of inclusive development, strong PRI leadership, and women's
empowerment. They actively handled issues like Anganwadi centers, PDS, roads, drainage, community toilets,
and women's livelihood through SHGs and NGOs, rather than merely comprehending the difficulties of the
Panchayati Raj system. They ensured inclusive governance by fostering strong relationships with people both
inside and outside the Panchayat. They promoted grassroots democracy and brought the community together
despite coming from an underprivileged background. They think that giving Panchayats real political will and not
merely exploiting them to carry out programs is what the 73rd Amendment is really all about.