Main Article Content
Abstract
Women's participation in the Panchayat Raj system marks a significant transformation in India’s political landscape, particularly after the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act that institutionalized local self-government and mandated reservations for women in rural governance. While numerical representation increased substantially, women’s political awareness, decision-making autonomy, and functional participation vary widely across regions. This paper examines the level of political awareness among women elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions in North Maharashtra, covering the districts of Nashik, Jalgaon, Dhule, and Nandurbar. These districts represent a socio-culturally diverse region with substantial tribal, agrarian, and backward-class populations, making it an important site for examining grassroots democracy. Through an extensive review of secondary literature, government reports, socio-political studies, and region-specific data, the research analyzes women’s understanding of Panchayat functions, governance responsibilities, development schemes, budgeting, and community leadership. The paper highlights how structural inequalities, patriarchal norms, limited education, lack of institutional support, and the widespread “Sarpanch-pati” culture have restricted women’s independent participation in the Panchayat Raj system. However, positive developments are also noted, such as training initiatives, the strengthening of Self-Help Groups, political mobilization by NGOs, and growing digital exposure. The study concludes that while the reservation policy has opened doors for women’s political entry, sustained and targeted capacity-building initiatives, socio-economic empowerment, legal awareness, and community mobilization are essential for translating representation into meaningful participation and leadership.