Govt mulling on increasing reservation for women in panchayats

Government may accept a suggestion by states to increase reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions from the present five to ten years.

Rural Development Minister Birender Singh said during discussions here today that several representatives from states suggested that women members in Panchayati Raj institutions, who get a single term of five years based on reservation, are unable to achieve much.

There were suggestions that the term of women members in wards and blocks be increased to ten years (two terms) so that they can prepare plans on a long term basis, he said, adding, the government may accept the suggestion.

While reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs in such institutions are based on delimitation keeping in mind their population, it is not applicable to women members.

Singh also said that in the next five years, gram panchayats, based on their population and size, will get funds between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 1 crore per annum.

To train members to handle the increased amount, and to ensure proper utilisation, the Centre will help such institutions. The disbursement of the allocation will be made by the state governments based on a formula derived by the Finance Commission.

The Minister also rued that a number of states have not delegated powers to the representatives of panchayats despite laws mandating it.

He said that while the country is fortunate that it has a structure of Panchyati Raj to provide good governance, "it's a matter of concern that most of the village panchayats lack technical infrastructure".