Question : WOMEN REPRESENTATION IN PRIS

(a) the number of elected women representatives including women sarpanches in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the country, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has conducted any study on the qualitative changes that have been brought about in the socio-economic condition of women through their increased participation in PRIs;

(c) if so, the details and the outcome thereof along with the increase in women representation in PRIs during the last three years, State/UT-wise; and

(d) the further strategy chalked out by the Government to develop the socio-economic condition of the women in the country?

THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI V. KISHORE CHANDRA DEO)

(a) Based on the available information, the number of the Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) at all the three tiers of Panchayats in States/ UTs covered by Part IX of the Constitution as on 31.03.2008 is at Annex.

(a) & (c) A nationwide study on EWRs in Panchayats commissioned by Ministry of Panchayati Raj and published in April, 2008, indicated empowerment of EWRs including enhancement in their self-esteem, confidence and decision making abilities. The study also indicated that the participation of women in Gram Sabhas had increased, as had attention to women related issues such as drinking water and sanitation. The study reported that EWRs had made efforts to encourage girls’ enrolment in schools and mitigate domestic violence.

(d) The Central Government has facilitated of Resource Centres at various levels through the National Mission for Empowerment of Women to address various issues relating to women.