Question : WOMEN SARPANCHES



(a) whether there is reservation for women to be elected as Sarpanches in the Panchayati Raj System in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the number of women Sarpanches in the country, State-wise;

(c) the number of panchayats where the provision has not been implemented; and

(d) the action taken by the Union Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (Dr. C.P. JOSHI)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN PARTS (a), (b), (c) & (d) FOR LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 497 DUE FOR REPLY ON 7.8.2009, REGARDING WOMEN SARPANCHES.

(a) to (d): Article 243D (4) of the Constitution of India provides that not less than one third of the total number of posts of Chairpersons in Panchayats at each level shall be reserved for women. The actual number of offices reserved is determined by the provisions in the Panchayati Raj Act of each State. Thus, not less than 1/3rd seats of Sarpanches are reserved for women. Data on the number of women Sarpanches is not maintained at the Central level.