Training women for better participation in panchayats: Rajiv Ranjan Singh

New Delhi, Aug 11 (IANS) The government has launched a Specialised Training Module as part of “Shashkta Panchayat Netri Abhiyan” for the capacity building of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions and to improve their participation in democratic institutions, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, in a reply, said that household responsibilities, social hesitation and male dominance during discussions are some of the key factors identified by a study for the limited participation of women in Gram Panchayats

The focus of the “Shashkta Panchayat Netri Abhiyan” training module is to build the capacity of Women Elected Representatives across different aspects of rural governance and enhance their knowledge and practical skills for the effective discharge of roles and responsibilities as elected representatives, thereby promoting women-led governance, he said.

He said a National Study Report on Low Participation in Gram Sabha across States and Union Territories (UTs) by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj identified multiple factors contributing to low and inconsistent participation across Gram Panchayats.

These include livelihood and occupational constraints, weak awareness and inadequate communication systems, weak responsiveness to grievances, absence of line department officials, limited transparency in governance processes and inadequate follow-up actions on issues raised during meetings, he said.

He said the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has taken various steps to make the Gram Sabha a more participatory and accountable institution by circulating detailed advisories to the States/ UTs to revitalise the institution of Gram Sabhas by taking up several measures.

The Minister said the measures include sharing basic details of flagship schemes of the Government in Gram Sabha meetings, increasing the frequencies of Gram Sabhas, ensuring minimum quorum as provided in the State Panchayati Raj Act, preparation of regular standing agenda for the Gram Sabha, to facilitate the holding of separate Ward Sabha and Mahila Sabha meeting before Gram Sabha meetings, ensuring maximum attendance in Gram Sabha, formation and functioning of Standing Sub-Committees of Gram Sabha.

–IANS

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