Sarpanch Pati

Key points:

• It refers to the practice of unelected male relatives controlling political and decision-making processes, openly mocking constitutional democracy and hindering the empowerment of elected women in local governments.

Reasons for Sarpanch Patism: 

• Cultural patriarchy in society hinders women’s empowerment and their ability to hold leadership positions in local government.
• Lack of training,  appreciation for women’s contributions, coupled and poor social standing, further marginalize women. 
• The absence of strict laws to deter crimes against women perpetuates gender inequality.

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992: 

• It provided a one-third quota for women in village, block and district levels of panchayat governance, including in seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• It seeks to help women population at the grassroot level break cultural barriers and improve their socio-economic conditions through representative democracy.