POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH …

POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

THROUGH PANCHAYATHI RAJ

INSTITUTIONS

By

Dr. P. APPA RAO

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POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

THROUGH PANCHAYATHI RAJ

INSTITUTIONS

(A case study on Therlam Constituency of

Vijayanagaram District of A.P.)

By

Dr. P. APPA RAO

(M.A, M.phil, Ph.D.)

Department of Politics S.V.V.P V.M.C. Degree and P.G. Centre

M.V.P. Colony Visakhapatnam

(This work was submitted by Dr. P. APPA RAO as Ph. D. thesis for the partial fulfilment of

Ph.D. degree in Department of political science ., Andhra University Visakhapatnam,

Andhra Pradesh India in the year 2012)

2014

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POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH PANCHAYATHI……….. iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTACKNOWLEDGEMENTACKNOWLEDGEMENTACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my heartfelt gratitude to my research director

Dr.(Mrs.) K.Sreeranjani Subba RaoDr.(Mrs.) K.Sreeranjani Subba RaoDr.(Mrs.) K.Sreeranjani Subba RaoDr.(Mrs.) K.Sreeranjani Subba Rao, Professor and HeadProfessor and HeadProfessor and HeadProfessor and Head,

Department of Politics and Public Administration, Andhra

University for her valuable guidance and supervision from the

beginning of my research work.

My sincere thanks to Prof. P. Krishna Prasad,,,, Chairman,

Board of Studies for their cooperation.I express my sincere thanks

to Prof. K. Ravi, Prof. Mrs. B.Meena Rao, Prof. M. Madhu Sudan,

Prof. K. Syamala Devi, Prof. E. A. Narayana, Prof. M. Nalini, and

Dr. P. Premanandam for their encouragement and support.

I am thankful to Dr.V.S.Krishna Library for their kind

cooperation during my study in providing necessary information

by opening the Library for innovative twenty four hours.

Iam thank full to all the women members of Z.P.T.C,

M.P.T.C, Sarpanches and ward members of Therlam

constituency for the spairing their time and giving information with

regard to the present research work. I also extend my thanks



POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH PANCHAYATHI……….. iv

government offcials in the District collectorate, Zilla parishad,

office of the M.D.O and the other officials of village

level for giving me valuable information. I am also thank full

to some of the senior citizens of both male and female of area

under study for expressing there views with regard to the

empowerment of women which I am able to utilize in the present

research work. I thank G. Dharma Rao for his neat typing and

timely help.

I am thankful to my friends and co-scholars and my well

wishers for their help and encouragement during my thesis work.

Last but not the least I express my deep sense of gratitude

towards my father Late Shri P. George and my mother

Smt. Bangaramma for their patient moral support to complete this

research work.

I am extremely thankful to my wife Smt. Bharathi for her

continuous encouragement in completing this piece of research

work.

P.APPA RAOP.APPA RAOP.APPA RAOP.APPA RAO



POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH PANCHAYATHI……….. v

INDEXINDEXINDEXINDEX

CHAPTERCHAPTERCHAPTERCHAPTER CONTENTCONTENTCONTENTCONTENT

Page Page Page Page

No.No.No.No.

I INTRODUCTION … 1 - 29

II

PANCHAYAT RAJ INSTITUTIONS AS VEHICLES

OF EMPOWRING WOMEN

… 30 - 65

III PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT … 66 - 87

IV SOCIO ECONOMIC BACKGROUND OF WOMEN

REPRESENTATIVES … 88 - 118

V

POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN

PANCHAYAT RAJ INSTITUTIONS OF THERLAM

CONSTITUENCY

… 119 - 195

VI CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS … 196 - 226

BIBLIOGRAPHY … 227 - 241

REFERENCES … 242- 249



POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH PANCHAYATHI……….. vi

LIST OF TABLESLIST OF TABLESLIST OF TABLESLIST OF TABLES

Table. Table. Table. Table.

No.No.No.No. Table of ContentTable of ContentTable of ContentTable of Content Page. Page. Page. Page.

No.No.No.No.

1 Caste wise Division of women representatives NO. of

women Representatives

92

2 Age wise Division of Women Representatives 94

3 Marital Status of Women Representatives 97

4 Size-wise Division of Families of Women

Representatives

98

5 Religious division of the Women Representatives 103

6 Educational Qualifications of the Women

Representatives

105

7 News Papers and Periodicals Reader 106

8 Distribution of Women Leaders by their Family Income 109

9 Political Awareness among the women

Representatives

113

10 Showing the total elected ZPTC member in Therlam

Constituency in July 2006

119

11 Showing the total elected MPTC members in Therlam

Constituency in July 2006

119

12 Showing the total elected Sarpanches in Therlam

Constituency in August, 2006

120

13 Showing the total elected Ward Members in Therlam

Constituency in August 2006

122

14 Showing the priorities in the Development of the

Villages and Sources of Inspirations in Therlam

Constituency

125



POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH PANCHAYATHI………..

vii

15 Relationships with the Political Parties, previous

involvement, and financial expenditure in the elections

130

16 Total elected Women representatives in Therlam

Constituency in 2006

147

17 Gram Sabha at Uttaravalli 148

18 Participatory Talents of Women Representatives 152

19 Distribution of women leaders in their response

towards 33% Percentage of Reservation of seats for

women in the Political Bodies

154

20 Distribution of women leaders by their occupation

before entering into politics.

155

21 Distribution of women leaders by their rational behind

entering into politics.

156

22 Distribution of women leaders by their party 156

23 Distribution of women leaders by their expenditure in

their contesting of elections 2006

157

24 Distribution of women leaders opinion towards their

participation in mandal / district politics

157

25 Distribution of women leaders in their opinion towards

their leadership

158

26 Distribution of women leaders response towards

Direct and Indirect Elections in Pnachayat Raj

Elections

158

27 Distribution of women leaders response towards

discharge of functions

159

28 Distribution of women leaders by their expectation of

support from their family members in discharging of

duties ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch

159

29 Distribution of women leaders response towards the

cooperation of male officials when implementing the

Government Programmes.

160




viii

30 Distribution of women leaders in their response

towards getting sufficient funds on time from the

higher administrative authorities

161

31 Distribution of women leaders in their expectation of

support from local area leaders in their duties/

functions

161

32 Distribution of women leaders by their attendance in

the training programmes of PRI meetings organized

by Government Authorities

162

33 Distribution of women leaders by their response

towards the training improve the efficiency

162


towards reaching of welfare schemes

163


towards the role of ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward

Member

163



POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH PANCHAYATHI……….. ix

ABBREVIATIONSABBREVIATIONSABBREVIATIONSABBREVIATIONS

1. INCS : Indian National Congress

2 TDP. : Telugu Desam Party

3 ZPTC : Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency

4 MPTC : Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency

5 WR : Women Representative

6 MDO : Mandal Development Officer

7 MRO : Mandal Revenue Officer

8 VAO : Village Administrative Officer

9 SC : Scheduled Caste

10 BC : Backward Caste

11 ST : Scheduled Tribe

12 OC : Other Caste

13 FC : Farward Caste

14 KV’s : Koppala Velama

15 OBC : Other Backward Caste

16 VS : Village Sarpanch



POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH PANCHAYATHI……….. x

17 WM : Ward Member or Women Member

18 CMEY : Chief Minister Employment for Youth

19 PMRY : Prime Minister Rojgar Yojana

20 DWCRA : Development for women and Children in

Rural Area

21 TRYSEM : Training of Rural Youth for Self

Employment

22 WS : Women Sarpanch

23 FFW : Food for Work

24 ZP : Zilla Parishad

25 MP : Mandal Parishad

26 CEO : Chief Executive Officer

27 CPO : Chief Planning Officer

28 GPO : Gram Panchayat Office



POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH PANCHAYATHI……….. 1

CHPATER CHPATER CHPATER CHPATER ---- IIII INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Article 15 of the Constitution of India guarantees equal rights to

both men and women. Though women were given equal status on par

with men as citizens, keeping in view the special disabilities, Article

15(3) of the Indian Constitution also empowers the states to make any

`special provision for women and childreni even in violation of the

fundamental obligations of non-discrimination among citizens, inter-

alia of sex. Although independent India promised equality of

opportunities to women in all spheres, women, especially in the

political sphere are laying behind. It is well known that women around

the world have not gained equal status with men especially in the

political sphere because of male dominationii. The low political status

of women through out the world had led to the emphasis on `political

empowerment of women’. That political empowerment would be useful

to achieve women’s empowerment in general has been accepted

widely. Absence of political empowerment to women is also one of the

main factors for the various problems that women are facing today.

Problems in a society are generally related to political decisions of the

administration where political power is concentrated. Therefore

political power is most important power in the process of political

empowerment of women to overcome the low status of women in

political decision-making. From 1990 there has been increasing




emphasis on political empowerment of women. It is worth to mention

the declaration of Beijing Conference, which was held at China in

1995. “We are convinced that Women’s Empowerment and their full

participation on the basis of equality in all spheres of society, including

participation in the decision making process and access to power, are

fundamental for the achievement of equality, development and peaceiii.

Empowerment is a process that enables women to gain access

to and control of material, intellectual and human resources.

Empowerment is the redistribution of power that challenges patriarchal

ideology and male dominance. Political empowerment of women is

part of the overall empowerment process. Political participation is a

major path to women’s empowerment and participation in decision-

making power will lead to women’s empowerment in true sense of the

term. In other words, increased decision-making power gives greater

ability to influence matters that affect our lives in the community and

the society at largeiv. According to Nisar-ul Huq “Women’s

empowerment and their full participation on the basis of equality in all

spheres of society, including participation in the decision making

process and access to power, are fundamental for the achievement of

equality, development and peace. The explicit recognition and

reaffirmation of the right of all women to control all aspects of their

health, in particular their own fertility is basic to their

empowerment….women’s opportunities to exercise power are in many




contexts greater at the local than at the national level. In India and

France, policies to increase women’s participation in local elections led

to significant increase in women’s presence in local office. Since 1993,

one-third of seats in local councils in India are reserved for women.

Studies of Women’s participation in village councils report on the

empowering effects for the women themselves as well as the positive

impact of women’s presence on local politicsv. India is ranked 93rd

among the member states of UNO in empowering womenvi. One of

the objectives of the Ninth Five Year Plan is the empowerment of

Women and socially disadvantaged groupvii. Political

empowerment of women through Panchayat Raj institutions is an

healthy attempt which would result in the realisation of Gandhiji’s

dream of Gram Swaraj. The 73rd and 74th Amendments of Indian

Constitution aimed at the greater participation of women and members

of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, in running the affairs of

Panchayat Raj Institutions and thus furthering the ideals of Women’s

empowerment and social justiceviii. Participation in Panchayat Raj

Institutions by directly and indirectly, attending the meetings regularly,

taking active part in decision-making, contesting in the elections are

some of the ways to empower women politically. The 73rd and 74th

Amendments have thrown open political opportunities in the

Panchayatsix. There are only few studies which examined the role of

disadvantaged sections in decision making and their effectiveness in




delivering public goodsx. Under the present scenario of increasing

focus on political empowerment of women, studies on the role of

women at the gross root level administration is an area to be explored

largely.

Women’s Empowerment and Pancayati Raj: a ConcepWomen’s Empowerment and Pancayati Raj: a ConcepWomen’s Empowerment and Pancayati Raj: a ConcepWomen’s Empowerment and Pancayati Raj: a Conceptualization:tualization:tualization:tualization:

Empowerment is a multidimensional social process that helps

people gain control over their own lives. It is a process that fosters

power (that is the capacity to implement) in people for use in their own

lives, their own communities and in their own society, by acting on

issues that they describe as important. Above all, empowerment is a

result of participation in decision-makingxi. Then, women’s

empowerment refers to the process by which women acquire due

recognition on par with men, to participate in the development process

of the society through the political institutions as a partner with human

dignityxii. So, why is empowerment through Panchayati Raj? According

to the Document on Women’s Development (1985) women’s role in the

political process has virtually remained unchanged since

independence. Broad-based political participation of women has been

severely limited due to various traditional factors such as caste,

religion, feudal attitude and family statusxiii. As a result, women have

been left on the periphery of political life. Observing this dark picture,




73rd Constitutional Amendment Act came to provide them an

opportunity to ventilate their grievances and to take active part in

decision-making process in the local level. With the passage of 73rd

Amendment Act, 1992, India is at a crucial structure in the evaluation

of Panchayati Raj institutions- the Indian brand of rural local-self

government. It has envisioned people’s participation in the process of

planning, decision-making, Implementation and delivery system. The

Panchayat Acts of State governments have subsequently been

amended to incorporate the stipulations of the central Acts thus the

constitutional mandate has heralded uniform pattern throughout Indian

states.

Policy analysisPolicy analysisPolicy analysisPolicy analysis::::

The 73rd constitutional Amendment have created space for

women in political participation and decision making at the grass root

level by providing that 1/3 rd of the seats are reserved in all over the

country. 73rd constitutional amendment Act, 1992 says-

* It provides reservations for women in PRIs set up in two ways; for the

office of the members and for that of the chairpersons. *As per the

clause (2) and (3) of Article 243(d), not less than one third of the seats

meant for direct election of members at each tier of the Panchayats are

to be reserved for the women.




Review of Related Literature:Review of Related Literature:Review of Related Literature:Review of Related Literature:

O.P.Bohraxiv states that, 73rd Amendment Act, mainly aimed at

decentralizing the power and also removing the gender imbalances

and bias in the institutions of local self government .He justifies the

rationale to provide reservations for following reasons, what is the

actual intention of our policy makers. Seventy third constitutional

amendments actually aims for * Shared perception of justice,

deprivation and oppression.* Shared experience of marginalisation vis-

a-vis power structure.* Collective empowerment through

representation and democratic process will give them voice, feelings of

solidarity and democratic politics.*Affirmative action will build a critical

mass of local leadership of such groups will be active participants in

the strategic decision-making.

Devaki Jainxv in her analysis of the 73rd constitutional

amendment writes that the main intention of the policy makers behind

this reservation is two-fold one is the democratic justice and second is

resource utilization (human). She further states that as the half of the

population are women. The country development cannot achieve

without the proper participation of woman. Shirin Raixvi (2000) argues

that 73rd constitutional amendment has opened up process of

democratizing these deliberative bodies, what actually our policy

maker’s wanted.




Biduyt Mohanty xviiin her article states that empowerment has

been defined here as the change of self-perception through

knowledge. She clarifies that by providing reservation, our policy

makers intention was not only to improve only the number of elected

leaders but also to improve their economic independence, access to

resources as well as to education so by examining their socio-

economic situation we can derive the conclusion whether woman are

really ‘empowered’. However Dr. Mohanty suggests that the

conditional steps for empowerment area clear beginning in this

direction. P. Manikymbaxviii states that the makers of Panchayati Raj

system desired rural woman should not only become a beneficiary of

development, but more importantly contributors to it. Analyzing the

Balawantrai Mehta Committee she states that Mehta Committee

considered the condition of the rural woman at length and felt that they

should be assisted to find ways to increase there incomes and improve

the condition of their children. The committee was particular that

woman should find representation in the rural political institutions.

Then Ashok Mehta Committee according to her laid special emphasis

on the need to recognize and strengthen women’s constructive

decision-makings and managerial rule.




Bhargava and others xix writes that it was to improve women’s

representation that the policy of reservation was introduced. According

to them, reserving seats for women in the political institutions will,

provide them and opportunity to raise their grievances and other

related social and economic problems in a formal forum, a political

process necessary to ensure the improvement for all women in all

sphere of life.

Usha Naryanxx confirms that the main position of 73rd

constitutional amendment involves the participation of women as voter,

women as members of political parties, women as candidates, women

elected members of PRI’s taking part in decision making, planning

implementation and evaluation. She stressed that reservation

provisions are providing be a guarantee for their empowerment. Sudhir

Krishnaxxi mentioning the aim behind 73rd institutional amendment

states that 73rd amendment was made to provide not less than one-

third seats including the offices of chairpersons for women in PRI’s at

all levels and role of women in development programmes.

Sudhir Krishnaxxiixxiixxiixxii mentioning the aim behind 73rd institutional

amendment states that 73rd amendment was made to provide not less

than one-third seats including the offices of chairpersons for women in

PRI’s at all levels and role of women in development programmes.




Snehalata Pandaxxiiixxiiixxiiixxiii in her study of village Panchayat in Orissa

found that women entered into politics due to mandatory provision of

reservation. Most of the women are from non-political background and

entered into politics due to persuasion by their family members or

pressure from the village community. The important aspect of her

study is that the women who reluctantly entered into politics showed

great maturity in outlook, enthusiasm, increasing political

consciousness and increasing perception of their role and

responsibility. In another study in 1999, Panda brought out an

interesting point in her field study. There prevails strong caste feelings

and women belonging to upper caste have not come forward to

representing the Panchayat. This has provided an opportunity to the

women from the labour and lower caste to emerge as a potential force

in village politics.

Devaki Jainxxivxxivxxivxxiv found that usually these are young women of 25-

45 years of age. 20% of the women had previous political experience.

The pattern caste representation was the same as before the

constitutional change, 60% of the elected representative whether men

or women were from dominant caste. Most of the women elected were

illiterate and above all the majority of women declared themselves as

homemakers. She found that women's experience of Panchayat Raj

institution has transformed many of them. The elements of this

transformation include empowerment, self-confidence, political




10

awareness and affirmation of information. She argued that women

have gained a sense of empowerment by asserting control over

resources, officials and most of all by challenging men further,

women's empowerment challenged traditional ideas of male authority

and supremacy.

Biduyt Mohanty’sxxvxxvxxvxxv recent study, on the impact of 73rd

amendment in Orissa through field experience, analyses about 80-90%

of women attend the Panchayat meeting regularly. Given the sure

number, one might conclude that the democracy has become

participatory than before at least at the grassroots level. In her study of

taking interview of elected women leaders from Orissa, she observed

that the socio-economic background of these women which showed

that majority of them come from the lower income group particularly at

the village Panchayat level. The micro studies also show that the

working culture of the Panchayat has changed because of the

presence of the women. Finally, a part of the increase of the female

literacy rate can be attributed to the presence of the women in

Panchayat and their willingness to get educated. She also found that

the standard of political institution at the grassroots level has not been

lower because of women reservation and to some extent; the

development process has become engendered. It is alleged that since

many of the women are first timers and are illiterate, they depend upon

their men folk for conducting the panchayat activities first; the




11

husbands for other male representatives will shield them from the

panchayat secretary, B.D.O if they try to harass the women. In fact,

some of the state government has passed a rule that their male

relatives could accompany the women elected representative to the

Panchayat. This is because in some cases, the secretary of the

Panchayat tried to implicate the inexperienced women by asking them

to sign on blank cheques etc. Some of the women chiefs went to jail

because of those acts. An interesting finding came out from the above

field experience. Even if women representatives depend on relatives,

the power relations between husband and wife has already changed

due to the reservation for women, the woman's husband gets a chance

to come to the public sphere because of the wife and particularly no

longer monolithic structure is seen in family relation. Studies point out

the emergence of proxy women in Panchayat where the husbands or

brothers look after her official activities. Mohanty however states that

the first one or two years of the tenure, the proxy women are seen.

Gradually, they become independent so finally Mohanty concludes 73rd

amendment has an empowering impact on women.

S. Govinda Gowdaxxvixxvixxvixxvi and others in their study of Karnataka

women elected panchayat leader found that the women members of

developed taluks were found to play a better developmental role that

their counterparts in the backward taluks. The study reveals that

among the socio-economic attributes such as age, education, caste,




12

annual household income and land holding of women leaders, only

education and annual household income had a highly significant and

positive relationship with their developmental role performance. The

findings of the study states that women members of the Panchayat Raj

institution could play an effective developmental role if they are given

adequate recognition and encouragement.

O.P Bohraxxvii in his case study of a Tamilnadu Panchayat

observed that even though women electorate constitute half of the

voters, candidates including female candidate do hardly have interest

in campaigning to seek the women' support. Rashmi Arunxxviiixxviiixxviiixxviii in a case

study of Madhya Pradesh found that in most of the cases women are

housewives, first time entrants into politics and most of them are

illiterate or educated up to primary level. Indian Institute of Social

Sciencexxixxxixxxixxxix in a study of panchayat Raj in Haryana has reviewed the

progress of some hundred elected women in four districts; majorities of

the elected women panches including younger women were illiterate

when elected to office. After two years in office, they demanded literary

skill and generally feel the need of education for their daughters.

K.Jayalakshmixxxxxxxxxxxx A.P based on the field study conducted in the

Nalgonda district states that reservation in Panchayat ensures entry for

all sections and thus visualizes as the harbinger of equality and social

justice. Further, it is found that reservation has merely brought in a




13

quantitative change in the gender participation rather tan ushering a

qualitative developmental efforts.

P. Manikyambaxxxi, in her study of Andhra Pradesh found that

socio-economic background in general and political backgrounds in

particular are important determinants of shaping the nature and level of

participation of members in political institutions. The study reveals that

education and participation are interrelated. In general, women

members having secondary educational qualification are more

participated well in the meetings. Next, economic status gives a sense

of confidence and encouragement to participate. The participation of

the poor women members is found mostly insignificant. The middle

class and rich members showed greater degree of participation. Then,

age has its impact on participation. The extent of participation of the

young and the middle age is generally more than that of old age. Next,

women members with experience in politics played active roles in the

institution under study.

G. Palanthuraixxxii in his study of Tamilnadu observed that

women have come to positions in the local bodies as provisions have

been made in the constitution. The outlook of the society towards the

women has started changing. The author, from his experience

suggests that women need orientation, sensitization, capacity building,




14

information and counseling continuously through organizations. The

ongoing experiments and experiences suggest that periodical training;

orientation and sensitization can help the women leaders to perform

the assigned role in a better way. He argues that the Govt. will respond

to the needs of these women leaders only when social organization

and groups support them.

Nirmala Buchxxxiiixxxiiixxxiiixxxiii states that earlier studies of women

representatives in panchayat before the 73rd amendment noted the

major presence of women form the dominant sections e.g. from

Marathas and families owing more than twenty acres of land in

Mahrastra and lingyats and vokkalings in Karnataka. But the profile of

the new women in post 73rd amendment panchayats showed that

majorities were illiterate and large percentages were from families in

the lower socio-economic strata. They were comparatively younger

than the earlier entrants and were predominantly first generation

entrants to the public political life. She further expressed that, a study

of twelve all women panchayats in Mahrastra documented male female

member's support form women's coming into panchayats, but such

supports were tentative and interspersed with typical anxieties

expressed in such comments as 'who will make the chapattis?




15

As we found from previous studies, though women comprises

about half of the Indian population they have been subjected to

discriminatory social ethos resulting in denial of equality of status and

opportunities in social, economic and political sphere. Ten years after

the amendment was introduced and the first term of PRIs is over in

many states, there is need to go back to the history and analyse the

reason for the government to give this space and it’s workability.

Though previous analysis is showing various issues on participation

and development at grass root level, they do not touch still many

issues. Last but not the least to write here is, over all development of a

nation requires maximum utilisation of human resources without any

discrimination. A more developed society is a more participant one. So

the participation of women in political process is a major step towards

inclusive politics.

Marilee Karlxxxivxxxivxxxivxxxiv in his book highlighted the process of

empowerment. According to him, empowerment is a process and is

not therefore something that can be given to people. The process of

empowerment is both individual and collective. Since it is through

involvement in groups that people must often begin to develop their

awareness and the ability to take action and bring about change.

Women’s empowerment can be viewed as a continuation of several

interrelated and mutually reinforcing components:




16

1. Awareness building about women’s situation, discrimination,

rights and opportunities as a set towards gender equality

collective awareness building provides a sense of group identity

and the power of working as a group.

2. Participation and greater control and decision making power in

the home, community and society

3. Action to bring greater equality between men and women. In

short empowerment is a process of awareness and capacity

building leading to greater participation, to greater decision

making power and control and to gain formative action.xxxvxxxvxxxvxxxv

Sakuntala Narasimhanxxxvi in her book on `Empowering Women’

discussed women’s networks alternative strategies in the process of

empowerment. Sangeeta Purushothamanxxxvii examines the gender

barriers in the process of empowerment, Manikyamba’sxxxviii study on

`Women in Panchayat Raj Structures throws light on the working of

women in the decision making process, inbuilt abilities of women and

their concern to the development of the society. It also brings out the

successful functioning of the women in the grass root level

administration. D’Lima Hazelxxxix focuses on the socio-economic

background of the leaders of the local self Government in

Maharashtra. It also brings out the various social aspects in the

process of political empowerment of women. Studies on women’s

entry into Panchayat Raj institutions in the states of Madhya Pradesh,




17

Rajasthan and Uttar Pradeshxl concentrated on the performance of

women and the obstacles they face. A study conducted in Madhya

Pradeshxli brings out the reflections of officials and other secretarial

staff with regard to the performance of women leadership in Panchayat

Raj Institutions. A study conducted by Snehalata Pandaxlii brings out

the positive pattern of emerging women’s leadership in traditional

setting with a male dominance in the family. V.B.Athereya and

K.Rajeswarixliii found out the satisfactory performance of women

representatives in the local self government. K Vijayakumar and

Vanaja Ranixliv in their study opined that economic freedom, resource

and political representation are essential for empowerment. Through

the above overview of literature it is revealed that the existing literature

on empowerment of women especially in the context of 73rd and 74th

Constitutional Amendment is limited. Some of the above mentioned

studies on the empowerment of women are macro level studies and

generally concentrate on the outer layer of the problem as the area of

the study is supposed to be larger. Studies of micro level nature helps

us to look into the problem in depth and to take healthy precautions in

solving the problems and reaching the target. Under the present policy

of `empowering women’ though grass root administration, micro level

studies on empowerment of women are highly useful to improve the

process of empowerment. As a result of the 73rd and 74th

Constitutional Amendment the women and the backward class were




18

given the opportunity to participate in the governance through

reservations. There are about 73,513 women members at GP level,

4,776 at MP level and 361 at ZP level; 38,764 SC members at GP

level, 789 MPTC and 126 ZPTCs’, 15304 ST members at GP level,

803 MPTCs and 66 ZPTCs. What is more important is the

performance level of these sections in the service of the poor and

needy.

J. L. Singhxlv in his study on Women and Panchayat Raj, the

awakening of women in India towards a society where justice and

brotherhood prevail, can best be achieved by a women to women

contact. Even though men have played a pioneering role in the case of

women in India, their role has been effective bringing about

constitution and legal changes in the status of women. For these

changes the effect the life pattern of the vast majority of women in this

country, women leaders must be found who can penetrate into streets

and villages, homes and hearts in order to create awareness and

motivation for actions

M. Arun Kumarxlvi in his study on Tribal Women in Local

Governance, as a result of the restructuring the political administrative

system provided by the constitutional amendment women had been

elected to the local councils in unprecedented numbers. By 1994,




19

330,000 women had entered politics as a result of PRI and the

percentage of women at various levels of political activity has shifted

dramatically as a result of this constitutional change from 4-5 percent

before PRI to 25-40 percent after PRI. This brought about a qualitative

difference as they are making the state sensitive towards issues of

poverty, inequality, and gender injustice by bringing their experience of

governance of civic society in to governance of state. Initially there

have been many doubts about the ability of women representatives.

But having become more familiar with their effectiveness, people have

been overwhelmed by the vitality and enthusiasm and are offering both

moral and material support.

Stefanie Strulikxlvii in his book on Women- Panchayat Electives

at the interface of State and Village Politics, considers gram panchayat

councils as an interface of the local village community with the state.

Gram panchayat councils are bodies of self-governance at the village

level in India and constitute the lowest tier of the reformed and re-

institutionalized Panchayati Raj System. After the 73rd and 74th

constitutional Amendments in the early 1990s and their attempts to

democratize the existing political and administrative structures by

prescribing, amongst many other reforms and reservations, a 1/3rd

women’squota for all Panchayati Raj bodies and offices, a great




20

number of women made inroads into the local, hitherto almost

exclusively male political arena.

Sumati Vaid and Neeru Sharmaxlviii in their study on Political

Rights for Women : Special Reference of Jammu and Kashmir State,

Women empowerment is still a debatable issue in India. She is still

treated as a second class citizen especially in state like Jammu and

Kashmir and the reasons are, besides illiteracy, customs, traditions,

poverty, ignorance, her own lack of interest and motivation. Her lack of

interest in her own political empowerment leads to such governmental

policies, which lack proper insight and direction. It is important for the

empowerment of women that the women actively participate in the

political process of the nation. The authors discussed these issues with

special reference to the controversial permanent residents bill of the

State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Katharina Rabe, Madhushree Sekher and Regina Birnerxlix in

their review on the “Effects of Political Reservations for Women on

Local Governance and Rural Service Provision”, in 1993 India

introduced quota-based political reservations for women in rural areas

with the objective to promote gender equality in human development

by making rural service provision and local governance inclusive and

responsive to the needs of women. Recent evidence shows that

reservation policies for women (1) stimulate the political participation of




21

women in rural areas, (2) shift rural service provision to public goods

that reflect gender preferences, and (3) improve the access to and the

quality of public services. Despite the suggested positive effects of

women’s reservation policies on service provision and local

governance, the gender bias in human development is still

pronounced. This casts doubt on the effectiveness of reservation

policies as an instrument for making rural service provision and local

governance more gender equitable and raises questions about the

nature and direction of the major constraints.

M.R. Bijul in his book on Women’s Empowerment, the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to take

part in the government of his/her country. The United Nations

Economic and Social Council endorsed a target of 30 per cent women

at all levels of decision-making by 1995. Inspite of this, globally women

constitute only ten per cent of legislative bodies and less in

parliamentary positions. In India, the post-independence period has

seen many positive steps to improve the socio-economic status of

women.

Shashi Kaul and Shradha Sahnili in their study on the

Participation of Women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, stated that

Panchyati Raj Institutions have always been considered as a means to

good governance and 73rd Constitutional Amendment was effected in




22

the hope that it would lead to better governance and provide political

space to the disadvantage section of the society like schedule caste,

schedule tribes and women.

Deshmukh-Ranadive, Jlii., in his study on Gender Equity in the

Family Centre Stage : Use of ,Kala Jatha, Women’s empowerment

does not necessarily take place when incomes are generated, when

livelihoods are enhanced or when groups are formed. This is because

within families and households, hierarchies and structures do not alter.

In fact, public interventions which result in new social activity or new

avenues of income generation can actually accentuate tensions within

households. It is at such times that supplementary interventions are

required. ‘Gender Equity in the Family’ is an experimental intervention

from Andhra Pradesh, India, which uses folk theatre to highlight

traditional socio-cultural norms within the family. The performances do

not blame the men or the women for gender inequality but show how

both those who suffer from and those that perpetrate inequality are

victims of social structure.

Sidaliii in her study on Discussing Women’s Empowerment,

discuss the latest debates on gender and power

PRIAliv in their study on “Women in Leadership in Panchayat Raj

Institutions, states that the Amendment enabled thousands of women

to enter the political arena. While some women have created political




23

spaces to voice their needs, concerns and priorities, others are still

trying to grapple with the power and authority thrust upon them. If

empowerment is seen as a process by which women overcome the

challenges of a patriarchal society then it is difficult to maintain that the

73rd Amendment has achieved it for women.

Waterhous, R., and Neville, S.lv, in their study on “ Gender

Equality and Women’s Empowerment, sates that the concepts of voice

and accountability form the core values of good governance – of

ensuring that citizens have a voice in decisions made about their lives

and that states and other actors hear those voices and respond to

them. This evaluation makes a preliminary assessment of DFID's work

since 1995 on issues of gender, voice and accountability and

concludes that DFID has made a significant contribution through

research and support to practical interventions.

Moghadamm V.M., and Senftova, L.,lvi in their study on

Measuring Women’s Empowerment: point out that there have been

many attempts to measure women’s empowerment in the development

field, but these have had various shortcomings. There is confusion

over concepts, a lack of disaggregated data, and limited information on

household dynamics. Measurements and indicators to date have

focused more on civil and political rights, what are known as ‘first




24

generation’ human rights, than on ‘second generation’ economic,

social and cultural rights

Longwe, Slvii., in his study on Towards Realistic Strategies for

Women’s Political Empowerment in Africa wrote that development

agency strategies to support women's political empowerment are

based on two assumptions: firstly, that women's increased access to

resources, especially education, will lead to their increased

representation in political positions; and secondly, that governments

are genuinely committed to leading national programmes of action for

women's advancement. He argues that both of these assumptions are

seriously mistaken. All development organisations supporting women's

empowerment must recognise the true obstacles women face in

gaining political power, and develop programme strategies to

overcome them. The key problem is the covert and discriminatory

systems of male resistance to women who dare to challenge male

domination of the present political system.

With this background the present study on the `political

empowerment of Women; A Case Study of Therlam Constituency of

Andhra Pradesh” has taken up.




25

Hypotheses:Hypotheses:Hypotheses:Hypotheses:

Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, conceptualized

the need for brining the weaker social group and women in the Indian

society along with the mainstream of development through their

participation in the grass root administration of the county. His strong

determination to implement this concept came to reality through the

73rd and 74th amendments of the constitution of India. Panchayat Raj

Institutions are end to be one of the main vehicles of the political

empowerment weaker social groups and women.

As a result of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments which

were initiated by Rajiv Gandhi a number of women all over India

including backward men like, Therlam Constituency of Vizianagaram

district of Andhra Pradesh came out from the social restrictions, utilized

the opportunity provided by the constitution and became partners in

the process of political empowerment. The women of Therlam

Constituency, through backward and poor also came farward to

become the beneficiaries of the 73rd and 74th constitutional

amendments. Some of the illiterate women of this constituency

exhibited more confidence about their capabilities to serve the local

political bodies as a first step in the process of political empowerment.

The women of Therla constituency by going in the various

developmental programmes were able to understand gradually the




26

importance of the collective work of the women force and gained

confidence about their abilities which helped them to take part in the

administration at grassroot level of Therlam constituency.

The newly elected women of the Therlam constituency have

been trying to prone that they are not going to remain as dummies and

wanted to share their actual share in the administration of the local

political bodies.

Objectives of the Study:Objectives of the Study:Objectives of the Study:Objectives of the Study:

There is a special need to concentrate on micro level studies

about rural women of backward area, for political empowerment is to

be begin with bottom sections of the society. Hence the aim of the

present study is to assess the process of political empowerment of

women in one of the backward constitutions of Andhra Pradesh.

Therlam Constituency of Vizianagaram district is the area identified by

the researcher for field study as the area represents more number of

women in the three tire system of Panchayat Raj Institutions. Also, the

researcher being born and brought up in the Mallampeta Village of

Badangi Mandal felt that it would be helpful to have a better

understanding of the issues of his own area for the field investigation.

The objectives of the study covers the following aspects:

1. To analyze the nature and process of empowerment and the

involvement of women as individuals and groups.




27

2. To study the socio-economic and political background of women

that influence their participation in the process of empowerment.

3. to examine the factors that contribute their participation and also

to study if there are any obstacles that are coming in their way of

participation in the process of empowerment.

4. To suggest some steps to be taken to strengthen women’s

representation at the gross root level to influence the decision

making process through political empowerment.

Research SiteResearch SiteResearch SiteResearch Site::::

Therlam Constituency of Vizianagaram district is the area

identified for the present study Vizianagaram district is a part of the

Northern Andhra Pradesh coastal plain and lies between 17o15’ and

19o15’ North latitudes and 83o0’ and 83o45’ east longitudeslviii.

The district was formed on1st June, 1979 by taking of some

areas of Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts which presently

surround the district from eastern and western sides respectivelylix.

The district has 34 Revenue Mandals. According to the 1991 Census,

the total population of the district is 21.11 lakhs of which 17.47 lakhs is

rural and 3.64 lakhs is urbanlx.

Methods and MatMethods and MatMethods and MatMethods and Materials:erials:erials:erials:

The present study is based on historical, analytical, empirical

and sample survey methods. The total respondents chosen for the




28

present study are 76. The data has been collected from the available

literature on Panchayat Raj institution, women’s political participation,

in the form of books and professional journals. Some of the data has

also been collected from the relevant acts of the State Legislature and

records of the institutions of the area under study. As the study is an

empirical study, empirical method of interviewing the women members

of the sample has been administered containing the following

information and a copy of the questionnaire has been enclosed at the

end of the dissertation.

1. Personal information regarding caste, age, education, marital

status.

2. Awareness of political empowerment of women, process of

empowerment, participation at the local administrative

institutions, awareness of Panchayat Raj Institutions.

3. Impact of family, society and officials on the process of

empowerment. Family members encouragement for their

participation in politics.

In addition to the information collected through structured

questionnaire, primary data has been collected through face to face

interviews with the respondents of the area under study, each interview

stretching from one hour to one and half hours. During the face to face

interview the respondents spoke beyond the questionnaire and

provided useful insights into the process of political empowerment of




29

women and the same is presented in the foregoing pages of the thesis.

In order to get first hand information to verify certain facts with regard

to political empowerment of women and their participation in the

Panchayat Raj Institutions, the researcher also had informal talks with

the fathers / brothers/husbands of the respondents and also

interviewed the concerned officials of the Panchayat Raj institutions of

the area under study. Informal interviews were also conducted with

some of the male and female senior citizens of Badangi Mandal to

know their opinions about the Political Empowerment of Women

through Panchayat Raj Institutions and the performance of women in

these Institutions. As the present study is a micro level one, a sample

is taken. The completion of the collection of data is followed by the

process of statistical techniques and analysis.

Chapterization:Chapterization:Chapterization:Chapterization:

The present work is divided into five chapters. The First chapter

is Introduction, Second Chapter deals with Panchayat Raj Institutions

as Vehicles of Empowerment of Women, third Chapter deals with

Profile of the District and Therlam Constituency. The Fourth Chapter

is on Socio, Economic Backgrounds of Women Representatives of

Therlam Constituency. The Fifth Chapter is devoted to the Political

Empowerment of Women in Therlam Constituency and the Sixth

Chapter deals with Conclusions and Suggestionlxi




30

CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER –––– IIIIIIII

PANCHAYAT RAJ INSTITUTIONS AS VEHICLES OF PANCHAYAT RAJ INSTITUTIONS AS VEHICLES OF PANCHAYAT RAJ INSTITUTIONS AS VEHICLES OF PANCHAYAT RAJ INSTITUTIONS AS VEHICLES OF

EMPOWERING WEMPOWERING WEMPOWERING WEMPOWERING WOOOOMENMENMENMEN

Before going into the discussion on the political empowerment of

women in the Therlam constituency an attempt has been made in this

chapter to through light on the evaluation of Panchayat Raj Institutions

and the Empowerment of Women in general and the political

empowerment of rural women in particular.

Evolution of Panchayats in Independent IndiaEvolution of Panchayats in Independent IndiaEvolution of Panchayats in Independent IndiaEvolution of Panchayats in Independent India

In India, attempts at strengthening local democracy have

invariably invoked the traditional self-governing institutions of the

village, which have often been romanticised and valorised by a wide

variety of observers, from Henry Maine to Mahatma Gandhi.

Historically, however, despite their consensual appearance, these




31

institutions were not really democratic as they were concealed forms of

social prejudice, oppression and exploitation that were firmly rooted in

local power structures. It was in recognition of these that B.R.

Ambedkar argued strenuously in the onstituent Assembly against

incorporating them into that Document. This is why the impulse for

local self-government, embodied in Article 401, was placed in the non-

justiciable Directive Principles of State Policy. After Independence, the

idea of the revival of panchayats was first mooted in the Balwantrai

Mehta Committee Report (1957)lxii, which saw democratic

decentralisation as a way of making good the failures of the community

development programme. Two decades later, the Asoka Mehta

Committee Reportlxiii on Panchayati Raj Institutions made far-reaching

recommendations for the revival of panchayats, which inspired at least

a few states – notably, Karnataka, Kerala and West Bengal - to

restructure their institutions of local government. At the national level,

the initiative to give Constitutional status to Panchayati Raj was

attempted by the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1989lxiv. Eventually, in

1993, Panchayati Raj was incorporated into the Constitution by the

73rd (for panchayats at the village, block and district levels) and 74th

(for municipalities) Constitutional Amendment Acts. It is notable that,

until the passage of the 73rd and 74th Amendments, the suggestion for

strengthening women’s representation was only faintly articulated in

the mainstream history of Panchayati Raj. The Balwantrai Mehta




32

Committee report had suggested only that the 20-member Panchayat

Samiti should co-opt or nominate two women, “interested in work

among women and children”lxv The Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and

Panchayat Samiti Act of 1961 followed this recommendation, providing

for the nomination of one or two women to each of the three bodies, if

no woman candidate was otherwise elected. In 1978, of 320 women

representatives on the Panchayat Samitis and Zilla Parishads in

Maharashtra, only six were elected, demonstrating – if any evidence

were required – that the provision of co-option or nomination was little

more than an opportunity for patronage and, at best, an expression of

tokenism. Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan used such provisions fitfully

and at convenience with broadly similar results. The Andhra Pradesh

Gram Panchayats Act, 1964 effectively provided for reservation of

between 22 and 25 percent for women. The next important milestone

in the history of Panchayati Raj in India was the Asoka Mehta

Committee Report of 1978. Between Balwantrai Mehta and Asoka

Mehta, the Committee for the Status of Women in India, in its famous

report Towards Equality (1974), argued forcefully that rural women’s

needs and perspectives had never been given sufficient weightage in

the plans and development policies of the Government of India. The

Report recognised that cooption and nomination were underwritten by

the assumption that women were incapable of contesting elections,

and would not permit the questioning, much less transformation, of




33

power equations in rural society. It therefore recommended the

setting-up of statutory women’s panchayats at the local level, which

would have strong links with Panchayati Raj institutions, as well as

possess some resources to manage and administer welfare and

development programmes for women and children. On the question of

reservations for women in legislative bodies, however, the Committee

was suggested that the state shall take steps to organise village

panchayats and endow them with such power and authority as may be

necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government

divided. The majority opinion was that reservations were a retrograde

step from the equality conferred by the Constitution, but the note of

dissentlxvi recognized the importance of reservations as an instrument

of empowerment. The Asoka Mehta Committee Report (1978)

emphasised the importance of Panchayati Raj institutions to local

development planning, on account of both the democratic imperative of

decentralising power, as well as the efficiency imperative of

strengthening the micro-level planning process. It recommended a two-

tier panchayat system, in which the two women who polled the highest

number of votes in the panchayat elections would, even if they failed to

actually get elected, stand co-opted into the panchayat. Where no

women contested elections, any two women known to be active

community workers, could be co-opted. The importance of according

Constitutional status to the PRIs subsequently came up in the




34

recommendations of several official committees reviewing rural

development and poverty alleviation programmes.lxvii The Sarkaria

Commission on Centre-State relations also noted that panchayats

were not functioning effectively as elections to them were not regularly

held, and they were constantly being superseded on flimsy grounds.

But the issue of the representation of women and their participation in

local-level institutions only came up again in the parallel stream, with

the National Perspective Plan for Women (1988) recommending 30

percent reservation for women in these bodies. The same

recommendation was also made in the unsuccessful 64th

Constitutional Amendment Bill of 1989, but it was only finally in 1992

that a redesigned three-tier system of Panchayati Raj – along with the

provisions for women’s reservation in panchayat bodies at every level –

was incorporated into the Constitution by Amendment, and

subsequently ratified by the states. Meanwhile, some states had

already proceeded to provide reservations for women. In 1985,

Karnataka introduced 25 percent reservation for women in the Mandal

Praja Parishads, with a further reservation for women belonging to the

SCs and STs. Andhra Pradesh, too, had in 1986 provided for

reservation of 22-25 percent for the Gram Panchayat, with two women

to be co-opted in the Panchayat Samitis, in addition to the elected

women members. Surprisingly, West Bengal – one of the states that

introduced a new Panchayati Raj system in 1978 and held elections at




35

regular intervals – did not make any effort to encourage the

participation, or even visibility, of women. The enactment of the 73rd

and 74th Amendments to the Constitution in 1992 was stimulated by

the disappointment over the failure of development programmes, and

the perception that these would be able to perform better with local

participation that could help identify local needs as well as deserving

beneficiaries. A wide chasm separated the largest body of the

electorate from a small number of its elected representatives. This gap

has been occupied by the power brokers, the middlemen and vested

interests….With the passage of this Bill, the panchayats would emerge

as a firm building block of administration and development….as an

instrument in the consolidation of democracy at the grassroots” (Prime

Minister Rajiv Gandhi, 1989).

73737373rdrdrdrd amendment Act 1992amendment Act 1992amendment Act 1992amendment Act 1992

The Amendment Bill, giving Constitutional status to the

Panchayati Raj institutions, was passed by both Houses of Parliament

in December 1992. Following its ratification by more than half the state

Assemblies as required under the Constitution, the President of India

gave his assent, and the same came into force as the Constitution

(73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 on April 24, 1993, adding a new part to

the Constitution, namely, Part IX titled “The Panchayats”. Article 243 of




36

the amended Constitution defines a panchayat as “an institution (by

whatever name called) of selfgovernment… for the rural areas.” This

was clearly a substantial advance over the constitutional provision in

Article 40 (Directive Principles of State Policy) which envisaged

panchayats as “units” of self-government, rather than institutions. Apart

from adding a new section – Part IX – to the constitution, it also added

the Eleventh Schedule, which lists the subjects on which powers may

be devolved to the panchayats. The Act required that the states pass

conformity legislations within a specified time, and while it made some

provisions that were mandatory and binding on the states, there were

other enabling or discretionary provisions on which the states were –

within broadly defined parameters – expected to legislate. The following

are the mandatory provisions, the discretionary provisions and the

provision relating to the powers and functions of the panchayats.lxviii

Mandatory provisions:Mandatory provisions:Mandatory provisions:Mandatory provisions:

The mandatory provisions, which pertain to the structure of

Panchayati Raj, includes:

• A three-tier panchayat system shall be constituted in every state,

comprising panchayats at the village, intermediate and district

levels. However, states with populations not exceeding 20 lakh




37

could dispense with the intermediate level, and have a two-tier

system.

• Elections to the panchayats at every level shall be filled by direct

election from territorial constituencies in the panchayat area.

• The Panchayats will enjoy a five-year term; if dissolved earlier,

fresh elections will be completed within six months of the date of

dissolution.

• The Gram Sabha (village assembly) will consist of all persons

registered on the electoral rolls. While the composition of the

Gram Sabha is uniform, its powers and functions may vary, as

provided for by the state legislature.

• In the directly elected seats of members in all panchayats, there

will be reservation of seats for SC-ST in proportion to their total

population in a panchayat area, and one-third of these seats will

be reserved for women belonging to these groups.

• Of the seats to be filled by direct election in every panchayat,

there will be not less than one-third reservation of seats in

panchayats for women, including the seats reserved for SC-ST

women. Such seats may be allotted by rotation to different

constituencies in a panchayat.

• The offices of Chairpersons in the panchayats at all levels will be

reserved for the SC-STs and women as the state legislature may

decide, provided that not less than one-third of the chairpersons’




38

positions shall be reserved for women. Likewise, there will be

reservation in the offices of chairperson in panchayats at all

levels for members of the SCs and STs, in proportion to their

population in a state.

• The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of

electoral rolls, as also the conduct of elections, will be the

responsibility of the State Election Commission to be appointed

by the state Governor.

• The Governor of the state will also appoint a State Finance

Commission, initially within one year of the commencement of

the Act, and subsequently every five years, to review the

financial position of the panchayats, and make

recommendations regarding the principles which should govern

the distribution of the taxes, duties, tolls and fees between the

state government and the panchayats. It will also decide the

principles by which the taxes leviable by the state, grants-in-aid

to the panchayats, and the taxes which panchayats may be

authorised to levy and collect will be determined.

Discretionary provisions:Discretionary provisions:Discretionary provisions:Discretionary provisions:

The provisions left to the discretion of the state legislatures

relate only partially to the structure of the Panchayati Raj system. More




39

substantively, they are concerned with additional reservations for the

backward classes, and with the allimportant question of the powers

devolved to the panchayats. The main features of these enabling or

discretionary provisions, as provided for in the 73rd Amendment Act

are:

• The state legislature may provide for the representation of

chairpersons of village panchayats to the membership of the

intermediate panchayat, and that of chairpersons of the

intermediate panchayat in membership of the district-level

panchayat.

• The state legislature may provide for the inclusion of Members of

Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assemblies of the

states in the membership of the two higher levels of the

panchayats.

• The state legislature may provide for reservation of seats – both

as members and as chairpersons – in the panchayats for

members of the backward classes.

• The state legislature may authorise a panchayat to levy and

collect taxes, duties, toll fees, etc., or assign to a panchayat

taxes, duties, tolls and fees levied by the state government, and

provide for grants-in-aid from the state government to the

panchayats.




40

• The state legislature may endow the panchayats with such

powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to

function as institutions of self-government. This would also

enable the panchayats to prepare plans for economic

development and social justice, and to implement schemes

concerning plans entrusted to them.

Powers and Functions of Panchayats:Powers and Functions of Panchayats:Powers and Functions of Panchayats:Powers and Functions of Panchayats:

Article 243-G specifies the powers and functions of the

panchayats in language that attributes some discretion to the states.

Subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the Legislature of a State

may, by law, endow the Panchayats with such powers and authority as

may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-

government and such law may contain provisions for the devolution of

powers and responsibilities upon Panchayats at the appropriate level,

subject to such conditions as may be specified therein, with respect to –

a) The preparation of plans for economic development and social

justice

b) the implementation of schemes for economic development and

social justice as may be entrusted to them including those in

relation to the matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule.




41

The Eleventh Schedule:The Eleventh Schedule:The Eleventh Schedule:The Eleventh Schedule:

The new Eleventh Schedule, added to the Constitution by Article

243–G, lists 29 sectors or functions which may be transferred by state

governments to the Panchayati Raj Institutions. These are:

1. Agriculture, including agricultural extension 2. Land improvement, implementation of land reforms, land

consolidation and soil conservation

3. Minor irrigation, water management and watershed

development

4. Animal husbandry, dairy and poultry

5. Fisheries

6. Social forestry and farm forestry

7. Minor forest produce

8. Small scale industries, including food processing

industries

9. Khadi (homespun cloth), village and cottage industries

10. Rural housing

11. Drinking water

12. Fuel and fodder

13. Roads, culverts, bridges, ferries, waterways and other

means of communication

14. Rural electrification, including distribution of electricity




42

15. Non-conventional energy sources

16. Poverty alleviation programmes

17. Education including primary and secondary schools

18. Technical training and vocational education

19. Adult and non-formal education

20. Libraries

21. Cultural activities

22. Markets and fairs

23. Health and sanitation, including hospitals, primary health

centres and dispensaries

24. Family welfare

25. Women and child development

26. Social welfare, including welfare of the handicapped and

mentally retarded

27. Welfare of the weaker sections, and in particular, of the

scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes

28. Public distribution system

29. Maintenance of community assets

In the last few years, the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj has

encouraged the states to undertake a process of activity Mapping that

clearly indicates the activities to be undertaken by the Panchayats in

respect of each devolved function and at each of the three levels.




43

District Planning CommitteesDistrict Planning CommitteesDistrict Planning CommitteesDistrict Planning Committees

At the district level, Article 243ZD in Part IX A of the Constitution

provides for the constitution of District Planning Committees (DPC) by

the State Governments. The DPCs are required to “consolidate” the

plans prepared by the Panchayats and Municipalities in the district,

and, on this basis, to formulate a draft development plan for the district

as a whole. Four-fifths of DPC members are to be elected by and from

among the elected representatives of the District Panchayat and the

Municipalities in the district. Each DPC has the authority to take

decisions regarding matters of common interest between the

Panchayats and the Municipalities, including spatial planning, sharing

of water and other physical and natural resources, as also the

integrated development of infrastructure and environmental

conservation in the districts concerned. There is no reservation for

women in the DPCs.




44

Panchayat (Extension to the Schedule Areas) Act, 1996 Panchayat (Extension to the Schedule Areas) Act, 1996 Panchayat (Extension to the Schedule Areas) Act, 1996 Panchayat (Extension to the Schedule Areas) Act, 1996

Article 243 M gives to Parliament the power to extend the

provisions of Part IX to the tribal areas listed in the Fifth Schedule. It is

in exercise of these powers that Parliament passed The Panchayats

(Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996. The Article exempts

certain States and certain areas covered by the Sixth Schedule, as

also certain other States and regions covered by separate special

arrangements, from the purview of Part IX of the Constitution. It

exempts Arunachal Pradesh from the necessity of making reservations

for the Scheduled Castes.

The Structure of PanchayatsThe Structure of PanchayatsThe Structure of PanchayatsThe Structure of Panchayats

Panchayats are organised in a three-tiered structure from the

village to the district level. Above the district level are the state and the

central ministries for Panchayati Raj. The Union Ministry of Panchayati

Raj is responsible for the work of advocacy for, and monitoring of, the

implementation of the Constitution (73rdAmendment) Act. The Ministry

ensures that the States hold timely elections, set up State Finance

Commissions and implement their recommendations, constitute

District Planning Committees and empower them suitably to ensure

grass-root level planning to effectively feed into State and Central-level




45

planning. A major task of the Ministry is to ensure that the State

Governments/Union Territory Administrations devolve funds, functions

and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj institutions in the spirit of the

Constitutional provisions. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is also

responsible for formulation and implementation of an Action Plan for

seeing PRIs to emerge as “Institutions of Local-Self Governance” and

secure economic development and social justice in their respective

areas. The ministries at the states are largely responsible for executing

the policies and plans formulated by the central ministry, as also for

ensuring the complete devolution of functions, functionaries, funds to

the grassroots level, and monitoring the activities and tasks assigned

to the Panchayats. The Figure 1.1 below provides the structure of the

three-tiered system of Panchayati Raj institutions and also indicates

the administrative support structure that accompanies it.

Figure 1.1 Structure of Panchayati RajFigure 1.1 Structure of Panchayati RajFigure 1.1 Structure of Panchayati RajFigure 1.1 Structure of Panchayati Raj




46




47

By April 1994, all the states had completed the process of enacting

conformity legislations to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. Despite

the uniformity in the application of the mandatory provisions, there are

considerable variations in the enabling or discretionary provisions,

especially those relating to the functions and powers of the Gram

Sabha, the election of chairpersons of the two higher levels,

reservation for the backward classes, financial procedures, the

committee system, and so on. Some important variations in the

conformity acts of the various states are discussed in subsequent

paragraphs.

The Third Tier: the Gram Sabha and the Gram PanchayatThe Third Tier: the Gram Sabha and the Gram PanchayatThe Third Tier: the Gram Sabha and the Gram PanchayatThe Third Tier: the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat

As the base of the entire pyramidal structure of local

government, the Gram Sabha (or village assembly) is the life-blood of

local democracy. Though the constitution of the Gram Sabha is

mandatory, there are variations across states in respect of the required

frequency of its meetings, as also its powers and functions. Gram

Sabhas are required to meet four times a year in Assam and Bihar,

three times a year in Tamil Nadu, annually in Tripura, Madhya Pradesh

and West Bengal, and twice a year in all the remaining states. Some

states – viz. Bihar, Goa, Tripura, Rajasthan and Manipur - have

provided for the constitution of Vigilance Committees for each Gram

Sabha. The meetings of the Gram Sabha are chaired by the Pradhan




48

and attended by elected members from different wards and the

community at large. These meetings discuss the general problems of

community; identify local development needs and aspirations as well

as the special problems faced by particular groups. Issues of local

public concern are meant to be raised and discussed among citizens in

a participatory manner, with the final decision being taken collectively,

and documented in the form of Minutes of Meetings (MoM). An

indicative list of the issues discussed in Gram Sabha meetings

includes:

1. Examine annual accounts and audit report.

2. Consider taxation proposals.

3. Consider budget proposals.

4. Discuss report of the administration.

5. Review existing schemes/works.

6. Review panchayat activities.

7. Review current and further programmes.

8. Select local schemes.

9. Approve village plan.

10. Identify beneficiaries.

11. Undertake programme for family welfare.

12. Maintain register of development activities.

13. Promote social harmony.




49

14. Mobilize peoples’ participation.

The Gram Sabha is thus meant to be the forum in which

beneficiaries of various development programmes are identified. It is

also the body that audits and approves the accounts of the Gram

Panchayat. As such, it is in the Gram Sabha that ordinary citizens can

make their representatives accountable and demand transparency in

their functioning. In most states, Gram Sabhas take decisions on the

basis of the majority of members present and voting. Though all

persons registered as voters on the electoral rolls are members of the

Gram Sabha, very few states have provided special incentives to

encourage the participation of women in this forum. The Village

Panchayat or Gram Panchayat covers a population that varies

considerably, from 300 people in Arunachal Pradesh to 7,000 in

Karnataka and upto 10,000 in Assam. Statistically, one member of a

village panchayat represents anywhere between 100 (in Arunachal

Pradesh) to 500 (in Bihar) persons. Proportionate reservation for SC-

STs is provided by all states. Reservation of seats to the minimum

extent of 33 percent for women in the Gram Panchayat is also a

feature in all the states. Reservation for the backward classes, though

discretionary, is provided for by Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal

Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Goa. There are also variations in




50

the percentage of seats reserved for the backward classes: one-tenth

in Gujarat, one-third in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, and 27 percent

in Maharashtra. In Madhya Pradesh, where 50 percent or less of the

seats are reserved for SC-STs, 25 percent are reserved for Backward

Classes. In Punjab, one seat in each Gram Panchayat is reserved for

the Backward Classes, if their population is more than 20 percent. In

Haryana, one seat is reserved for the Backward Classes, if their

population is 2 percent or more of the total population of the Gram

Sabha area. The mode of election of the Chairperson (variously called

Sarpanch, Pradhan or Mukhiya) at the village panchayat level is

determined by the states. Thus, many states – including Bihar, Gujarat,

Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Andhra

Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab – have

provided for direct election of the Chairperson at this level. In Himachal

Pradesh, the “Upa-Pradhan” (or deputy chairperson) is also directly

elected. The remaining states provide for indirect election, with the

Chairperson being elected by the directly elected members of the body

from among themselves. The office of the Chairperson is also subject

to provisions of reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes (in proportion to their population) and women (not less than

one-third). Arunachal Pradesh provides reservation to women alone. In

Uttar Pradesh, reservation for women in Chairpersonships is subject to

the condition that it should not exceed 27 percent of the total number of




51

offices of Pradhans. In other states, it varies from one-tenth in Gujarat

and one-third in A.P. and Karnataka, to 25 percent in Madhya Pradesh

and 27 percent in Maharashtra. Two provisions of some significance

that seriously impacts the functioning of women representatives are

the two-child norm and no-confidence motions against the

Chairperson. Some states have introduced the two-child norm,

disqualifying the candidature of all those who have more than two

children. While Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh introduced

and subsequently revoked the two-child norm, Andhra Pradesh,

Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh continue to enforce it. This is a provision

that is clearly against the interests of women who have little control

over reproductive decisions. No-confidence motions are widely

provided for, though there are notable variations across states. In

Sikkim and West Bengal, a simple majority of the total members can

vote out a sitting Chairperson, while in most other states this requires a

majority of between two-thirds (Karnataka, Bihar, Maharashtra,

Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, among others) and three-fourths

(Madhya Pradesh). In Punjab and Haryana, a majority of Gram Sabha

members can unseat a Chairperson, while in Himachal a two-thirds

majority of the Gram Sabha members is required. Goa has the most

foolproof method of all states - a no-confidence motion has to be

supported by a two-thirds majority of the Gram Panchayat, ratified by a

simple majority of the Gram Sabha members - while Andhra Pradesh




52

and Tamil Nadu have not made any such provision at all. In Himachal

Pradesh, there is no special safeguard against the removal of women

Pradhans through no-confidence motions. But if a no-confidence

motion - against any Pradhan, male or female – fails, it cannot be

raised for a two-year period following the rejection. However, in the

case of no-confidence motions passed against a woman chairperson,

the office, if reserved for women, can be filled only by another woman.

In Madhya Pradesh, which is distinctive in having a right to recall

provision in its conformity law, the Gram Sabha has the right to recall

the Sarpanch or a Panch after twoand-

a-half years of his tenure, through a secret ballot. All disputes

regarding no confidence motions against the Sarpanch or Upa

Sarpanch are referred to the Collector, whose decision is final. There

are variations also in the number of standing committees. Standing

committees – on Social Justice, Finance, Education, Poverty Alleviation

– are provided for by several states. These are also important from the

gender perspective, because provisions for reservation frequently do

not apply to these committees.

The Middle Tier: Block or Mandal PanchayatsThe Middle Tier: Block or Mandal PanchayatsThe Middle Tier: Block or Mandal PanchayatsThe Middle Tier: Block or Mandal Panchayats

In several states – including Bihar, Tripura, Orissa, Madhya

Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal




53

Pradesh, Kerala, Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and West

Bengal – panchayats at the intermediate level are constituted at the

Block. In Karnataka and Gujarat they are constituted at the level of the

Taluk, while in Andhra Pradesh at the Mandal level. There are

significant variations in the nomenclature of these panchayats: they are

called by many names, ranging from Janpad Panchayat in Madhya

Pradesh to Kshetra Panchayat in Uttar Pradesh, and Panchayat Samiti

in most of the northern states. Members of these panchayats are

directly elected, though the number of members depends on the

population, with one member on average representing 2,000-4,000

people in the mid-sized to big states. In most states, the chairpersons

of the third tier are ex-officio members of the intermediate level

panchayat, too. While this is the provision in Bihar, Tripura, Uttar

Pradesh, Orissa, Kerala, Arunachal, West Bengal and Assam, other

states (like Karnataka, Punjab and Haryana) take one-fifth of the

chairpersons of the lower tier on a rotational basis for one year. In

several states, MPs and MLAs are also ex-officio members of these

bodies, with provisions also existing in many places for the co-option of

the director of the cooperative marketing society or the cooperative

bank. One-third of the seats in these bodies are also reserved for

women, though as with the Gram Panchayat, reservation for OBCs is

discretionary. Nevertheless, several states have made such provision,

according to formulae largely similar to those adopted for the Gram




54

Panchayats. The Chairpersons at the intermediate level are indirectly

elected, i.e. elected by

the elected members from among their own number. Again, the

nomenclature varies across states, though the one-third reservation for

this office is uniform. Many states have also exercised their discretion

in providing reservation for OBCs to the office of the Chairperson.




55

The District or Zilla ParishadThe District or Zilla ParishadThe District or Zilla ParishadThe District or Zilla Parishad

The Zilla Parishad is the topmost layer of the Panchayati Raj

structure. Its members are directly elected by the voters in the district,

and one member may represent anywhere between 15,000 to 50,000

people, depending upon the state. The President (head) of the

Parishad is known as Zilla Pramukh in many states, or by other names

such as Sabhadipati in Tripura and West Bengal or Adhyaksha in Uttar

Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. In a majority of states, the Zilla

Pramukh is directly elected, though some states, e.g. Arunachal

Pradesh, follow the practice of selecting the Zilla Pramukh from among

the elected members. The chairperson of the intermediate level

panchayat is generally an ex-officio member of the district panchayat,

as are Members of Parliament and Members of the state Legislative

Assembly. It is only in Maharashtra that legislators are completely

excluded, while in Gujarat they are permanent invitees without the right

to vote. At this level, too, there is mandatory reservation for women

(one-third) and for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (in

accordance with their proportion in the population). Reservation, on the

same basis, holds for the office of the Chairperson in the panchayats of

this tier. The chairperson and the vice-chairperson are indirectly

elected by the elected members of the panchayat. In Madhya Pradesh,

however, they are indirectly elected by all members of the Zilla




56

Parishad. Not surprisingly, this is the level at which there are the

maximum number of Standing Committees (the average, across

states, being around six Committees per district panchayat) though

Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh have none. Orissa has provided for the

representation of women in the standing committee on education and

health, such that three of its five members must be women. In most

other states, persons belonging to the SC-STs or Other Backward

Classes are usually co-opted on to committees, but not women.

Though Orissa is one of the few states that has sought to make special

provision for its tribal population – in tribal areas, not less than half the

directly elected seats are reserved for the STs, and all the offices of

sarpanches in the Gram Panchayats in these areas are so reserved - it

has however neglected to make any special provision for tribal women.

Interlinkages Between TiersInterlinkages Between TiersInterlinkages Between TiersInterlinkages Between Tiers

There is some ambiguity about the way in which the three tiers

should be linked, thereby obviating situations resulting from lack of co-

ordination between the three levels, which could weaken the structure

as a whole. Thus, for instance, the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act does

not provide for the Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat to be a member

of the Panchayat Samiti, or for the Pradhan of the Samiti to be a

member of the Zilla Parishad. The lack of specification of functions and




57

powers as between the three levels sometimes results in confusion,

and a feeling – at each level – that the other two have greater powers

and resources.

Keeping in view of above existing conditions in the Panchayat

Institutions the Government of India, during the regime of Rajiv

Gandhi made revolutionary changes with a view to strengthen the

Panchayat Raj Institutions and also to empower the weaker sections

and women to take part in the local administration.

Need for Political Empowerment of Women under the present Day Need for Political Empowerment of Women under the present Day Need for Political Empowerment of Women under the present Day Need for Political Empowerment of Women under the present Day

political situation:political situation:political situation:political situation:

As gender inequality is a worldwide phenomenon the United

Nations Organisation which is the world’s highest organization to look

after the welfare of humanity irrespective of race, caste, creed, colour

or sex shouldered the responsibility of implementing strategies

towards the elimination of the existing inequalities between men and

women. It is well known that at the global level itself there are political,

economic, social and cultural inequalities existing between men and

women. Therefore as early as in 1952 itself the United Nations

adopted the convention on the political rights of women. Later the U.N.

also declared 1975 as the international Women’s Era. Followed by this,

four international conferences on women were held with regard to

gender justice and equality. ;the fourth Beiging conference which was




58

held in 1995 declared that “ women’s equal participation in political life

plays a vital role in the general process of the advancement of women.

Women’s equal participation in decision making is not only a demand

for simple justice or democracy but also be seen as a necessary

condition for women’s interests to be taken into account”. To allow

women to take part in government is the goal at the global level also.

With this view the U.N. Economic & Social Council endorsed the 30%

of reservation to women at all levels of decision making by 1995. India

proudly took the hold step of reserving 30% of seats to women in

Panchayat Raj and other rural bodies in the year 19692 by the 73rd and

74th amendments of the constitution. Followed by this in the years

1996 and 1998 was the legislation to provide for reservation of seats

for women in the Loksabha and the State Legislatures to the extent of

1/3rd of the strength of the Houses by the 81st and 84th Constitutional

amendments. Besides this according to the national policy for the

empowerment of women in the year 2001 the goal of the nation is to

bring about the advancement, development through poverty

eradication, micro-credit programmes, training of women to facilitate

them in playing efficient role in agriculture and industry. The social

empowerment of women is facilitated through effective provisions of

education, health nutrition, drinking water and sanitation, gender

sensitization etc., elimination of all forms of violence against women,

physical and mental whether a domestic or social level including those




59

arising form customs, traditions and accepted practices. The need to

gender equality through political empowerment can be identified under

the following heads.




60

To influence decision making process:To influence decision making process:To influence decision making process:To influence decision making process:

Though it is a healthy sign that a good number of women

attained highest positions in the political sector in India and other

countries, women’s concerns in general are not given priority as

expected. Therefore increase in number of women in the political

sector may lead to concentration on priorities to women issues.

Women’s Access to political resources :Women’s Access to political resources :Women’s Access to political resources :Women’s Access to political resources :

In the field of politics women are unable to compete with men

with regard to access to political resources due to the traditional role

assigned to women. Thought hey were able to enter the political field

the influence of male members either husband, father or brother is

more which is an obstacle to the independent action of women.

Leadership Style:Leadership Style:Leadership Style:Leadership Style:

In the present worldwide political scenario today there is no

satisfactory administration which is able to give adequate facilities to

the poor condition of women. Critics point out that there is a need for

change in leadership – a feminine leadership may be welcomed for a

change to solve some of the burning issues. There is also a need to




61

provide women’s mass entry into politics to fill up the gaps of women

issues.




62

Need to promote Women’s Political EmpowermentNeed to promote Women’s Political EmpowermentNeed to promote Women’s Political EmpowermentNeed to promote Women’s Political Empowerment:

As the needs of women are not be prioritized and addressed

there is a strong need to promote women through political

empowerment. Participation of women in politics is necessary to

achieve the general advancement of women Education for women,

healthcare, legal status and livelihood can be better represented by

increasing participation of women in the decision making process.

Through the increased participation one can expect the women to

setup and pursue their own agenda. Sufficient number of women in the

decision making position is highly required throughout the globe. To

achieve this goal of empowering women through political power the

strong will of the political leaders, political parties, business

community, academic as well as non-government organizations is very

essential.

As women constitute half of India’s population, without their

engagement and empowerment one cannot expect rapid development

in their progress. It is therefore necessary to empower women

politically so as to give priority to the women issues as better judges of

their community.

Political Empowerment to Gain Equity & Fairness:Political Empowerment to Gain Equity & Fairness:Political Empowerment to Gain Equity & Fairness:Political Empowerment to Gain Equity & Fairness:




63

Women entry into the grass-root organizations enabled her to

come forward to exercise her political power by raising their voices to

the problems concerned not only to women but to the general public.

They are trying to exercise their limited power so as to bring equality

and farness in the political process and planning.

Political Empowerment for Social & Legal Rights.Political Empowerment for Social & Legal Rights.Political Empowerment for Social & Legal Rights.Political Empowerment for Social & Legal Rights.

In the traditional Indian society women’s equality in basic legal

and human rights access to control of land or other resources are not

up to satisfaction. It is through women’s political participation effective

legislation can be achieved. Women’s equality is undermined by

historical imbalances in decision making power and access to

resources. Rights and entitlements for women through hour the globe.

Political Empowerment through Balancing Power:Political Empowerment through Balancing Power:Political Empowerment through Balancing Power:Political Empowerment through Balancing Power:

Out of a billion population of Indian neatly 120 million of women

live in poverty Moreover the males significantly outnumber females,

India’s material mortality rates in rural area are among the world’s

highest. Therefore political empowerment of women is a precondition

for meeting the challenges of women and child towards a better

society. Under the present globalised world gender equality political

empowerment is a vita tool to achieve sustainable development. The




64

need for political empowerment of women was acknowledged by the

World Economic Forum which ranks India at an impressive 24th on the

variable of “Political Empowerment for its Women’ when measured

against 134 countries. It is also a healthy sign that the number of

women legislators entered into the Indian Parliament women to acquire

political power. The participation of women from the marginalized

sections are also gradually emerging into the political leadership which

is also a good sign of political empowerment.

Panchayat Raj Institutions as vehicles of Political Empowerment of Panchayat Raj Institutions as vehicles of Political Empowerment of Panchayat Raj Institutions as vehicles of Political Empowerment of Panchayat Raj Institutions as vehicles of Political Empowerment of

Women:Women:Women:Women:

As a result of the opportunity given to women by the 73rd and

74th Constitutional amendments significant achievements were taken

place especially in rural and backward parts of India. Over a million

women in forward not only to context in the elections but also to

exercise power in the elections but also to exercise power in the larger

interest of the public good. It is also interesting to note that the

proportion of women getting elected tens to be significantly higher than

the reserved another, with women from the scheduled castes and

scheduled tribes often securing election to higher proportion of results

and Chairmanships the women from socially and economic better off

classes. Yet women from a backward region like Therlam constituency

are no exceptions like their sisters from other areas in facing hurdles in




65

the process of the political empowerment, before attempting to discuss

the holistic and scientific understanding of the role of women of this

area is their local political bodies it is necessary to have a brief out look

on the geographical setting. Therefore the next chapter is devoted to

the geographical setting of the area under study.




66

CHAPTER - III PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT

Brief History of the DistrictBrief History of the DistrictBrief History of the DistrictBrief History of the District:

The History of the Vizianagaram District is connected with hoary

part of Kalinga, one of the political divisions of Ancient India. Only in

modern times, the upper part of Kalinga was gradually merged into

Orissa state and the lower part into Andhra Region. The Kalinga

empire extended from Cuttack in Orissa to Pithapuram in East

Godavari district even as far back as the 4th century BC. The Nandas

ruled the area between 467 BC and 336 BC. They were followed by

the Mauryas, the Chedis, the Satavahanas, the Pitribhaktas, the

Matharas, the Vasistas, the Vishnukundins, the early eastern Gangas,

the estern Chalukyas of Vangi, the Late Eastern Gangas, the Reddis of

Rajahmudry and the Velanti Cholas who ruled over the area

constituting the present Srikakulam district till the Kakatiyas appeared

on the political scene by AD 1210.

Recorded evidence show the some local dynasties like the

Rapatri Chiefs, and the Gangas of Narayanapura (situated in the

Bobbili block) the Gangas of Jantarunadu (the track now known as

Srungavarapukota) ruled over parts of the district from the 12th Century




67

to the middle of the 15th century at various periods of time. The silas of

Nandapura with Capitals at Nandapura and Bobbili who acknowledged

the Suzerainty of the Gangas of Kalinga held away over parts of the

district for nearly a hundred years from the middle of the 14th Century.

The Kakatiyas under Ganapatideva defeated the Velanati chola

chief, Prithvisvara who was ruling over the territory in 1210 but the

territory was recovered by the Eastern Gangas during the region of

Ananga Bhima III. The Gajapathis of Orissa then came to rule the

territory after overthrowing the Eastern Gangas in A.D 1443. The rule

of the Gajapatis over the area lasted for about 140 years till the Qutab

Shahis conquered the territory around AD 1574. Consequent on the

occupation of Golkonda by the Mughals in A.D. 1687, the area came

under the control of the Mughals when the viceroy of the Mughals in

deccan, Niam-ul-Mulk-Asaf Jah declared his independence in A.D.

1724, the area came under the rule of the Asaf Jahis.

In the War of Succession after Nizam-Ul-Mulk Asaf Jah died,

salabat Jung who came to power with the backing of the French

General Bussy rewarded the French by ending four circars including

the Chico Cole circar in 1753. An important event in the history of the

district which occurred by about this time is the war between the Rajas

of Vizianagaram and Bobbili, Popularly known as Bobbili Yuddham.

The War was fought between the Rajah of Vizianagaram aided by the

French general Bussy and the Rajah of Bobbili on the 24th of January




68

1757. the bravery of and Valour of the soldiers of Bobbili displayed in

this war is still remembered by the people of the area.

Another important evident in the history of the district is the war

between the French and English fought at Chandurthi in1758 in which

the French were defeated and the Northern Circars were made over to

the British under a firm Ana from Mughal emperor, Shah Alam in 1765

which were placed under the then existing chief and council at

Vizianagaram. In 1794, the Chiefs and councils were abolished and

Vizianagaram was arranged into three divisions each under a

Collector. Almost the entire area of the present area of Vizianagaram

district fell under a Collector. Almost the entire area of the entire area

of the present area of Vizianagaram district fell under the second

division. However, the three divisions were merged and a collectorate

for the whole district was established in 1803 after the introduction of

the permanent settlement in the area.

The history of the rebellions against the alien rule goes back to

1830s when the people of the district particularly the tribal unable to

beat the oppression, role in frequent rebellious (fituris) leading to the

establishment of separate administrative system known as “Agency

Administration” under the India Act XXIV of 1839. The rebellion of

Korra Mallaiah, a tribal chief of the Salur area against the British rule

in1900 is another important event in the struggle against the alien rule.

The District Magistrate dispatched reserve police to suppress the revolt




69

which was seriously resisted by the people. In the Skirnish that

followed many were killed. Korra Mallaiah along with son was arrested

and kept in Jail where he died subsequently. Subsequently in the

freedom struggle the people hailing from the area enthusiastically took

part in various phases of the movement like a non-cooperation

movement, civil disobedience movement, quit India Movement, etc.

After abolition of the Zamindaris in 1948, Visakhapatnam district

was found to be unwieldy for administrative purposes. Consequently,

Srikakulam district was carved out in 1950 bifurcating it from

Visakhapatnam district. The constitution of Vizianagaram district in

1979, by transferring the taluks of Parvathipuram, Kurupam, Salur,

Bobbili, Badangi and Cheepurapalli from Srikakulam district and some

taluks of Visakhapatnam from the latest development in the history of

the district.

PHYSICAL ASPECTSPHYSICAL ASPECTSPHYSICAL ASPECTSPHYSICAL ASPECTS ::::

General:General:General:General:

Vizianagaram district is a part of the Northern Andhra Pradesh

Coastal Plain and lies between 17o15’ north latitudes and 83o0’ and

83o45’ east longitudes. The district was formed on1st June 1979 by

taking of some areas of Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts which

presently so surround the district from eastern and western sides

respectively.




70

The district occupies an area of 6,539 sq.kms with density of

population of 323 per sq.km. The total population of the district is

21.11 lakhs of which17.47 lakhs is rural and 3.64 lakhs is urban. The

percentage of rural population in the district is 82.78 while that of the

urban population is 17.22. the scheduled caste population in the

district forms 10.44 per cent of the total population while scheduled

tribe account for 9.0 per cent of the 264 urban areas in the state, 9 are

located in this district.

The district derived its name from Vizianagaram, its

headquarters town.

Hills:Hills:Hills:Hills:

The areas transferred from Visakhapatnam district were mostly

hilly and picturesque especially in the north. The agency tract mostly

consists of the hilly regions covered by the eastern ghats which run

parallel to the coast from the north – east to south-west. The average

height of these hills is over 914 meters, although there are several

peaks of even 1,219 meters high. The highest part is the Shankaram

in Srungavarapukota which is over 1,615 meters. The main hills ranges

are Dumakonda, Antikonda, Palakonda, Kodagandi and Gomatikonda.

All these individuals ranges from part of the eastern ghats. In the

Parvathipuram division, the hills are lower than elsewhere and consist

of steep and rugged lines devoid of plateau hedging in the two broad,




71

almost parallel, valleys of Vamsadhara and Nagavali rivers which drain

them south wards down into the Bay of Bengal. A line of Mountain runs

north and south through middle of this track and separate these two

valleys. It is called Kailaskota hills and highest point on it is 1,187.2

meters above the sea level. The hills on the west of the coastal plain

consist of three main plateaus. The highest and largest of these which

is made up of the main line of the eastern ghats and runs parallel to the

shore of the Bay of Bengal is usually known as the 3000 sq.ft.(911

meters) plateau.

Rivers:Rivers:Rivers:Rivers:

The principal rivers flowing in the district are Nagavali or

Langulya, Gosthani (Champavathi) Suvarnamukhi, Vedavathi and

Gomukhi. Nagavali is the main river which h takes birth in the step

hills of Orissa state. Its total length is 200 kms and flows for about 112

km., in Vizianagaram district. The total catchment area of this river is

8,963 sq.kms (12.461 sq.miles) The river Gosthani has its origin in the

Anantagiri forest area of Srungavarapukota. The Swarnamukhi river

takes its birth in the hills of Salur and takes eastern direction and finally

joins the Nagavali in Palakonda mandal of Srikakulam district. The

Vegavathi originates in Pachipenta hills of Pachipenta mandal and

follows in the same direction almost parallel to the Suvarnamukhi. The

river Gomukhi originated from the eastern ghats and follows north-

west of Saluru.




72

Climate:Climate:Climate:Climate:

The climate of Vizianagaram district is characterized by high

humilities nearly all the year round, oppressive summer and good

seasonal rainfall. The summer season is from March to May. This is

followed by the South-West monsoon season, which continues up to

September, October and November constitute the post monsoon or

retreating monsoon season. December to February is the season of

generally fire weather. The Climate of the hill parts of the district west

north west is different from that of the plain. Since hilly regions receive

heavier rainfall. They are cooler than the plains. The maximum

temperature occurred the month of June is 34.3o C and the minimum

temperature notified in the month of January is 17.9oC during the year

1990.

Rainfall:Rainfall:Rainfall:Rainfall:

The normal annual rainfall of the district is 1,158.00mm. The

district gets the benefit of both the south-west and north east

monsoons.

Soils:Soils:Soils:Soils:

The main soils in the district are red soils, sandy loams, sandy

clay and they constitute 96 per cent of the total area. The soils in the




73

district are predominantly loamy with Indian fertility different types of

rocks are abundant in the district.

Flora:Flora:Flora:Flora:

The floristic composition of the forests of the district is of much

interest. The forest types found in the district are :

1. Southern tropical moist middle deciduous forests.

2. Northern tropical dry deciduous forests.

3. Southern tropical dry mixed deciduous forests.

4. Dry deciduous green forests.

5. Dry evergreen forests.

The forestry plays an important role in the economy of the district.

Fauna:Fauna:Fauna:Fauna:

Fauna in the district is fairly high in the interior hill regions but it

is heavily threatened with extinction. The reasons for the depletion are

mainly shrinkage of habitat and uncontrolled poaching. There is fairly

rich variety of fauna. The principal animals and birds found from the

sea coast to the high platean are : (1) Fourthorned antelope (2) Yellow

bat (3) Sloth bear (4) Indian bison (5) Will Buffallow (6) Tungle cat (7)

Civet (8) Mouse deer (9) Barking deer (10) Fox (11) Hare (12) Hyena

(13) Jackal (14) Langur (15) Leopard (16) mongoose (17) Sambar (18)

Squirrels (19) Tigers and birds of (i) Ashy Long tail Warher (ii) black




74

ibis (iii) Blue rock pigeon (iv) House crow (v) House Sparrow (vi)

Common Myna pitta etc.

Major Characteristics with reference to Economic resources:

FFFForestry orestry orestry orestry ::::

The total forest area in the district comes to 1,09,948 hectares for coming

17.3% of the geographical area of the district. Apart from the natural forest already

indicated following plantations have been raised by the forest department up to

March 1990. The total revenue earned by the forest department during 1989-90 is

Rs.92,30,579.

S.No. Item Area in Sq.kms.

1. Teak 14.66

2 Bamboo 4.60

3 Others 48.00

Minerals:Minerals:Minerals:Minerals:

The district is endowed with manganese lime, kankar and

quartz, Manganese of high quality occurs at Garividi, Nellimarla,

Cheepurapalle, Gurla, Merakamudidam, Bobbili, and Salur mandals.

Nearly 45,343 tonnes of Manganese 15,915 tonnes of Kankar and lime

stone and 849 tonnes of quartz were produced in the district during




75

1989-90. Among minor minerals small quantities of graphite and mica

are produced in the district.

Electricity:Electricity:Electricity:Electricity:

Out of 1,458 inhabitated villages in Vizianagaram district, 1,253

villages have been electrified as on 31.3.1990. the percentage of

electrified villages works out to 85.94 per cent the length of

transmission and distribution lines in the district is 7,646.82 kms.

Land and Land Use Pattern:Land and Land Use Pattern:Land and Land Use Pattern:Land and Land Use Pattern:

The district is predominantly with red sandy loams, sandy clay

loams and clay loam soils which constituted 74.0 per cent, 15.3

percent and 9.8 per cent of the total area of the district respectively.

The area covered by paddy formed 33 per cent, Bazjra 2 per

cent, Ragi 4 per cent, Groundnut 20 per cent, Mesta 15 per cent and

Sesamum 4 per cent of the grass cropped area in the district during the

year 1989-90. Food crops accounted for 60 per cent and the

remaining 40 per cent is accounted for commercial crops.

Agricultural Activity:Agricultural Activity:Agricultural Activity:Agricultural Activity:

Agriculture is the main stay of the people of the district.

Above72 per cent of the total main workers are engaged in agriculture

and above 82 per cent of the population living in rural areas depends

upon agriculture for their livelihood in about 64 per cent of the total




76

irrigated area, the cultivation is purely under tropical rains. In view of

the unassured irrigation facilities, generally farmers taken up dry crops.

In about 73 per cent of the area, under kharif season, paddy is being

cultivated. Tanks are main resources during kharif season and cannel

irrigation is limited to 23.6 per cent. The annual rainfall of the district is

1,158 mm. Most of the rainfall, i.e., 64 per cent of the rainfall, is

received during south-west monsoon during which period main kharif

crops are grown. According to 1989-90 agriculture census, the

percentage of net area sown in the district is 43 per cent which is lower

than that of the coastal region, which is 58 per cent and is higher than

that of the state which is 39 per cent.

There are no major irrigation projects in the district. However,

there are 11 medium irrigation projects with ayacut of 38,646 hectare.

Out of the 11 medium irrigation projects 3 medium irrigation projects

namely Vengalaraya Sagar project, Janjavathi project and Peda

Ankalam project are under progress. Besides this there are 833 PWD

minor irrigation sources with an ayacut of 29,040 hectares and 9,927

minor irrigation tanks (Panchayat Raj) with an ayacut of 30,870

hectares.

The soil climate conditions such as temperature, rainfall and

relative humidity are quite suitable to sericulture industry in the district.

This is a potential sector wherein women labour can be employed

gainfully. One Mulberry seed format Jogampet to Seethanagaram




77

mandal was established. In addition to the above, two silk reeling

units are functioning at P.Levidi and Venugopalapuram villages.

Animal Husbandary:Animal Husbandary:Animal Husbandary:Animal Husbandary:

According to 1987, livestock census the total livestock

population in the district is 11.09 lakhs of which 4.34 lakhs are cattle,

2.59 lakhs are buffaloes and 2.9 lakhs are sheep. The poultry

population in the district is 12.25 lakhs.

There are 149 Veterinary Institutions out of which 88 are

functioning with artificial insemination facility. There are 2 milk chilling

centers functioning at Ramachandrapuram and Kurupam. These units

are serving tribal people who are provided with milch cattle and

collecting about 62 lakhs liters per year, through 227 collection centers.




78

Fisheries:Fisheries:Fisheries:Fisheries:

The district has coastline of 28 kms. There are 29 marine

fishing villages having 3,088 active fishermen. There are 1,372

traditional crafts like stitched boats, two beach landing crafts and 4,023

fishing tackle of various types. There are 24 in land fishermen

cooperative societies, 6 marine fishermen cooperative societies and 12

Girijan fishermen Cooperative Societies with a total membership of

6,599 and with 9 paid up share capital of Rs.92077.

Industries :Industries :Industries :Industries :

The industries established in the district are mainly agro based.

Jute production mills were established at Nellimarla, Bobbili,

Vizianagaram, Kothavalasa and Saluru. Other important industries

existing in the sectors of Sugar factories. Khandasari units, Ferro

Alloys industry, Groundnut oil unit, oilcake units, refined oil units are

scattered in and around the Vizianagaram. The following are the major

and minor industries in the district.

Major and Medium Industries:Major and Medium Industries:Major and Medium Industries:Major and Medium Industries:

1. Ferro Alloys Ltd., Sriramnagar (Garividi)

2. The Bheemasingi Cooperative Sugar Factory

3. The Sugar Factory, Komatipalli




79

4. The Sugar Factory, Bobbili

5. The Nellimarla Jute Mills Co.,Ltd., Nellimerla

6. The General Industrial Society Ltd., Vizianagaram.

7. Andhra Pradesh Fabric Ltd., Jeegiram

8. Sri Gopalal; Krishna Jute Mills, Bobbili

9. Uma Jute Twine Mills, Kothavalasa

10. East Coast “Commercial Enterprises, Vizianagaram

11. Andhra Oil cake Products, Vizianagaram

12. Radhika Vegetable Oil Products Ltd., Duvvam

13. Sarvaraya Textiles Ltd., Vizianagaram

14. Andhra Pradesh Tanneries Ltd., Nellimarla

15. Soap Make Units – Vizianagaram

In addition to the above, there are 2427 small scale units mainly

dealing with food products, cotton textiles and jute products, etc.

Apart from the above, the following industries are in different

stages of construction.

1) M/s Gold Star Ferro Alloys Pvt.Ltd., at Kothavalasa with a total

cost of about Rs.120 crores.

2) M/s Rhino Tyres and Tubes Pvt.Ltd., a unit for the manufacture

of tyres and tubes for light vehicles at Kothavalasa

3) A Ferro Alloys Unit under M/s Jindal Group of industries with

15,000 tonnes capacity per annum at Kothavalasa.




80

4) Mango Mining Co.Ltd. Bobbili a unit for the manufacturing of

electrolitic manganese dioxide is first of its kids in the entire

country in private sector with an investment of aboutRs.18

crores.

PLACE OF TOURIST INPLACE OF TOURIST INPLACE OF TOURIST INPLACE OF TOURIST INTEREST:TEREST:TEREST:TEREST:

Bobbili Town (Bobbili Mandal)Bobbili Town (Bobbili Mandal)Bobbili Town (Bobbili Mandal)Bobbili Town (Bobbili Mandal)

Bobbili is situated at distance of 65 kms., from Vizianagaram.

The earlier name of the town was Peddapuli (tiger). Due to the efflux

of time, it gradually changed Pebbuli, Bebbuli and finally Bobbili. This

place is an important railway junction on the Raipur – Vizianagaram

line. Bobbili is associated with the historic battle between Zamindar of

Vizianagaram aided by the French on the one side and the Raja of

Bobbili on the other. The Raja of Bobbili erected a war memorial at the

place where the actual battle took place to commemorate the tragic

event and the memorial can be seen towards north-east on the out

skirts of the town. Bobbili is famous for the manufacture of Veenas

and well known as one of the important town where fine arts flourished.

There is also a fine temple of Lord Venugopala.

Cheepurupalli TownCheepurupalli TownCheepurupalli TownCheepurupalli Town (Cheepurupalli mandal):(Cheepurupalli mandal):(Cheepurupalli mandal):(Cheepurupalli mandal):

This place is head quarters of the mandal of the same name

and situated at distance of 30 kms., from the district headquarters,

Vizianagaram. This is a railway station on the Howrah- Madras broad




81

gage line and also well connected by road. There is an old ruined fort

existing in the place three sets of copperplate inscriptions were found

in the place during 1867 AD and one of them records a great made by

the eastern Chalukya ruler Vishnu Vardana – 1 who flourished from 615

AD to 633 AD.

Garividi (Garividi Mandal)Garividi (Garividi Mandal)Garividi (Garividi Mandal)Garividi (Garividi Mandal)

This village is included in Kondapalem and Shriramanagar town.

This place is headquarters of the mandal of the same name and

situated at a distance of 38 kms., from the district head quarters

Vizianagaram. This place became prominent after the establishment

of Ferro manganese plant. An upgrading factory was also attached to

the plant which is the largest of its kind in India. Manganese is

exported from here to the foreign countries. This is railway station on

the Howrah Madras broad gage line and also well connected by road.

There is also an eye hospital maintained by the lions club in the town.

Nellimarla Nellimarla Nellimarla Nellimarla TownTownTownTown ((((NellimarlaNellimarlaNellimarlaNellimarla MandalMandalMandalMandal):):):):

This is a town and headquarters of the mandal of the same name situated

on the river Champavathi at a distance of 5 kms. From Vizianagaram. Because of

location of Jute factory this town has got importance. This town is connected by

road and attained popularity.

ParvathipuramParvathipuramParvathipuramParvathipuram TTTTownownownown : (: (: (: (ParvathipuramParvathipuramParvathipuramParvathipuram MandalMandalMandalMandal):):):):




82

Parvathipuram is a town situated at a distance of 95 kms from

the district headquarters Vizianagaram. It is the head quarters of the

mandal of the same name. This town is growing rapidly in trade owing

to its location at the junction of the roads leading to many important

places like Bengal. Jeypore, Vizianagaram etc. There is a fine temple

of lord Jagannadha Swamy. The most important festival in this town is

the car festival of Jagannadha Swamy, celebrated for 9 days during

June- July of every year. This town is well connected both by road and

rail.

RamathirthamRamathirthamRamathirthamRamathirtham ((((NellimarlaNellimarlaNellimarlaNellimarla MandalMandalMandalMandal):):):):

This is a village which is also popularly known as Ramathirthalu

situated at a distance of about 13 kms., north east of Vizianagaram In

this village there is a hill called `Bodikonda’ on which a ruined brick

shine in which three images of Jain Thirthankars are found nearly

carved out of the local rock. Higher up this hill under an overhanging

rock, another mutilated jain image is found. In addition to these, there

are number of sculptures on this and the other hill nearby. An

inscription of the eastern Chalukyas is also noticed. Apart from its

archaeological importance, the village is known for the modern temple

dedicated to Sri Rama. The most important festival celebrated in this

place is Shivarathri and on this day thousands of people from Various

parts of the district congregate here.




83

SalurSalurSalurSalur TownTownTownTown ((((SalurSalurSalurSalur MandalMandalMandalMandal):):):):

This is a town situated at a distance of 55 kms. From

Vizianagaram. Salur is also well connected both by road and rail.

Many buses of Orissa state fly through this place providing quick

transport facilities even to agency areas. This place is considered as

gateway for the export of all the forest produce from the agency areas

to the important markets, such as Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram

and it has become out let to the marketable surplus, particularly of the

agency areas. The Vedasamaj Sanskrit school established in this

town during 1888 AD is most important institution.

SrungavarapukotaSrungavarapukotaSrungavarapukotaSrungavarapukota ((((SrungavarapukotaSrungavarapukotaSrungavarapukotaSrungavarapukota MandalMandalMandalMandal):):):):

This place is the headquarters of the mandal of the same name

situated at a distance of 45 kms., from Vizianagaram. It has good

communication facilities by road with all important places in the

mandal. This place contains the ruins of an old fort. There is a place

at a distance of 3 kms, to the west of the village called Punyagiri at the

fort of an outlying sour of the hills. On the Sivaratri day people in large

number gather here to take bath in the stream that emerges from the

two boulders on which there is a shrine of Dhara Gangamma.

VizianagaramVizianagaramVizianagaramVizianagaram TTTTownownownown ((((VizianagaramVizianagaramVizianagaramVizianagaram MMMMandalandalandalandal):):):):

This place is the headquarters of the district of the same name.

It is a important railway junction on the south eastern railway. It was




84

the capital of the Rajas of Vizianagaram (not to be mistaken as

Vizianagar empire), who wielded power from 17th century AD. There is

a magnificent fort in this town which depicts the past glory of these

Rajas. The town has grown around the fort. This town has attained

great prominence in the part of the center of arts and culture under the

patronage of the enlightened rulers of Vizianagaram. Many of the

existing educational and cultural institutions at this place had their

origin from the time of Rajas of Vizianagaram. Vizianagaram is one of

the centers of cultural development in the district as well as of the

state.

Changes in the administrative units:Changes in the administrative units:Changes in the administrative units:Changes in the administrative units:

In 1985-1986 the then existing all taluks were reorganized into

34 mandals. Corresponding to the revenue mandals, Mandal Praja

Parishads were also formed which are coterminous with revenue

mandals in all cases except that the statutory towns are not included in

the jurisdiction of the MPPs. One of the mandal Bondapalli has been

formed by including villages from 3 erstwhile taluks.

Eight mandals have got villages from2 erstwhile taluks. Each of

the remaining 26 mandals have been formed by taking villages

exclusively from each of the erstwhile 12 taluks (i.e., without including

villages from a second taluk). The chart on the adjacent page gives a

clear picture of the distribution of villages of the erstwhile taluks in to

present mandals. The figure is the block at the intersection of the taluk




85

and mandal gives the number of villages taken out of the particular

taluk for inclusion into that particular mandal. In the alphabetical list of

villages in the succeeding pages, the erstwhile taluk to which the

village belonged at the time of 1981 census has been indicated.

While comparing the list of villages at 1991 census with the 1981

census it may kindly be kept in view that the difference in the number

of villages is due to the fact that 3 villages which were treated as main

villages at 1981 census have become hamlets whereas 5 villages

which were treated as hamlets during 1981 census are treated as

newly sprung up during 1991 census on attaining independent status.

Details of these hamlets are indicated in the Appendix. Three revenue

villages have been deleted from the list of villages as they are now fully

included in Vizianagaram Municipality. The details of the villages

which are fully included in the urban areas are shown in the annexure

to the Alphabetical list of villages given in the succeeding pages. At

the same time Kothavalasa which was treated as Census town for the

first time at 1981 census has been declassified as it had lost its urban

status according to the criteria fixed at 1991 census. Thus there are 4

statutory town and 5 census towns in the district.

The 34 mandals have been organized into two revenue divisions

in the district as follows:

Vizianagaram Division:Vizianagaram Division:Vizianagaram Division:Vizianagaram Division:




86

Vizianagaram, Gantyada, Bhogapuram, Denkada, Pusapatirega,

Srungavarapukota, jami,Kothavalasa, Vepada, Lakkavarapukota,

Nellimarla, Gurla, Cheepurupalli, Garividi, Merakumudidam,

Gajapathinagaram, Bondapalli, Dattirajeru, and Mentada.

Parvathipuram Division:Parvathipuram Division:Parvathipuram Division:Parvathipuram Division:

Parvathipuram, Komarada, Garugubilli, Jiyyaammavalasa,

Kurupam, Gummalaxmipuram, Badangi Terlam, Saluru,Pachipenta,

Makkuva, Ramabhadrapuram, Bobbili, Seethanagaram and Balijipeta.

Badangi, Therlam and Merakamudidam mandals were

established on 1985-1986 by merging some parts from Bobbili taluk

and cheepurapalli taluk. This constituency is bounded cheepurapalli

constituency in the East, Saluru constituency in the west, Bobbili

constituency in the north and Gajipathinagaram constituency in the

south. Badangi mandal consists of 41 villages and 25 panchayats,

Therlam mandal consists of 52 villages and 32 panchayats. And the

merakamudidam mandal were 24 panchayats out of 41 villages. The

total geographical area are of this mandal is of 12,490 hectares. At the

2001 census the total population in Therlam constituency is 16,4906




87

persons, which includes 82,680 males and 82,226 females. The river

Vegavathi flows through this constituency.

Therlam constituency carries 20,252 scheduled caste population

and 43,38 scheduled tribe population. With the advent of 73rd

constitutional amendment regarding Panchayat Raj Institutions total

81Panchayats and 16 Mandal Parishad territorial constituencies and

the three only Zilla Parishad territorial constituency. The Therlam

mandal ZPTC member is reserved for women in this constituency

Agriculture is the chief occupation for the people of Therlam

constituency. Major crops harvested are paddy, sugarcane, mesta,

Greengram, Bengal gram, etc. Migration is widely prevalent in this

constituency. Many people migrate to nearly cities for their livelihood.

Mangoes and Cashew nuts are also grown in the Arid areas.

In the earlier days the British established a small airstrip in

Badangi mandal which touches Mugada, Pinnavalasa,

Ramchandrapuram, Pudivalasa, Mallampeta and Bodangi villages but

now it was out of use and was encroached.

The river Vegavathi is used as inland waterway. Some festivals

are held for this river. The village Koduru is famous for `Velenkanni’

Mother temple in Badangi mandal. Large celebrations is held.

Participants come from various states also.




88

CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER ---- IVIVIVIV

SOCIO ECONOMIC BACKGROUND OF WOMEN SOCIO ECONOMIC BACKGROUND OF WOMEN SOCIO ECONOMIC BACKGROUND OF WOMEN SOCIO ECONOMIC BACKGROUND OF WOMEN

REPRESENTATIVESREPRESENTATIVESREPRESENTATIVESREPRESENTATIVES

Knowledge of the socio-economic background of women

representatives of the Therlam Assembly Constituency is an

indispensable prerequisite for understanding their thought and

behaviour in participating local governance. It also helps the

researcher to identify the successful women in the process of political

empowerment. Differences in the behaviour and participation of

women representatives mainly depend on their background

atmosphere. The rural family which is in most cases on agricultural

household, is characterized by a greater closeness among the

members and thus more liable to be influenced by hereditary traits and




89

family culture. The family is therefore, the most important influence in

the life of the rural woman who is usually confined to home. The

changes that are effecting the features of rural society are experienced

by the woman through her family.lxix Therefore, the socio-economic

background is very important factor in shaping the participation of the

member of any institution. But the political background is another and

more important factor so far as participation in political institutions is

concerned.lxx A number of studies establish that the socio economic

and political factors influence the role of the leaders in serving the

people. Some of the factors that determine the socio-economic and

political background are economic position, marital status, education,

occupation, age, caste, political awareness, political experience,

membership in political, non-political associations, voluntary

organizations and the like. Therefore, an attempt has been made in

this chapter to analyse the socio-economic and political background of

the women representatives of the area under study under the following

heads.

The total sample of the study is 317 women representatives from

Therlam Assembly Constituency consisting of 1 ZPTC, 20 MPTCs, 36

Women Sarpanches and 260 ward members. As mentioned earlier, a

questionnaire has been prepared and served to all the women

representatives, besides oral interviews in the regional language by

the researcher. With the help of the information gathered through




90

these sources, tables were drawn for the purpose of better

presentation and easy understanding. The interviews being conducted

in the regional language, with the local accent so that the women

members would be comfortable in conveying their experiences, as

most of them are undergraduates and some are illiterates.

Caste:Caste:Caste:Caste:

Caste is the core of traditional politics in India, although as early

as 1858, Queen Victoria through her “proclamation” assured the

Indians that all Indians would be treated on par with European race

irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Even after a half century of

independence there are people who receive `unequal treatment’

among Indians themselves based on caste. Still we are in a long way

to eliminate the caste system. Dalits, for whose emancipation and

upliftment, Mahatma Gandhi sacrificed his life are still in need of

upliftment. From the sociological point of view every individual is born

into a particular communal or caste group and with it he/she inherits a

place and a station in society from which his/her whole behaviour and

outlook, occupation, attitude towards his own caste group and other

members of the society can be derived. The studies on rural

Panchayats demonstrate that local authorities are exploited by the

local rich caste for their own advantage. The wide spread control of

Panchayats by the upper caste rich farmers has prevented Panchayats

from being agents of social change through political participation.lxxi




91

The caste system is an important determinant of the social, political,

economic and administrative aspects of Indian society. Despite the

emergence of many new forces that have undermined the rigidity of

the caste system to some extent it still remains a force to be reckoned

within the rural community. Caste is so tacitly and so completely

accepted by all, including those most vocal in condemning it that it is

everywhere the unit of social actionlxxii.

Caste is becoming increasingly dominant in Indian Politics. After

all, democracy should at the minimum reflect the real behaviour of the

people. If their behaviour is governed by caste, it is arguable that it

may be undemocratic not to allow caste behaviour its role in the

political process. But caste operates in a duality of styles- the

`traditional ‘ and the `modern’. This is a situation, which can be

exploited by selfish and dishonest individuals who for their own political

purposes, are prepared to use any tool that serves them welllxxiii.

Therlam Constituency constitutes Tribal Communities. According to

Director of Census Operationslxxiv the Khond Savara Region

constitutes those tribal areas which are part of the Eastern ghats,

spreading across the forst and hill tracts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram

and Visakhapatnam Districts. The Khond are subdivided into two

groups : (1) The Dondgria (jungle) khond and (2) The Derya khond.

The Savara are also divided into two sub-groups: (1) Kapu Savara,

who dwell on the plains and (2) Hill Savara or jati Savara.




92

Caste system in the Therlam Assembly Constituency has been structured

just like in any other Assembly Constituency of Andhra Pradesh with little variations

based on regional traditions and customs. The caste system in the Therlam

Assembly Constituency can be placed under four categories of social hierarchy –

The Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vysyas and the Sudras. The Brahmins are respected by

all the remaining castes as their ritual heads and learned people. Brahmins with

some exceptions strictly observe the rules of purity and pollution. Kshatriyas, next

to Brahmins in the social hierarchy are also respected. Moreover, Vizianagaram as

mentioned in the previous chapter is the head quarter of Therlam Assembly

Constituency was under the rule of Kshatriya kings of Andhra for a long time and

therefore the King’s rule had its influence over these areas and even till today

people of the dynasty are called “Raju garu” with great respect. The next comes

the Vysya caste who are by birth traders. Vizianagaram, even till today is one of the

greatest business centres of Andhra Pradesh. The fourth in the social hierarchy of

caste is sudras. Among these a number of categories exists with slight variations

from area to area. The sudras occupy variety of livelihood starting from agriculture

to weaving the cloth. As the present study is focused on the empowerment of

backward castes who are the “Service” or “an auxillary castes” it is necessary to

mention here the names of some of the backward castes for a clear understanding

and the following table gives a clear picture of the women representatives based on

their caste in which they are born.

Table 1Table 1Table 1Table 1

Caste wise Division of women representativesCaste wise Division of women representativesCaste wise Division of women representativesCaste wise Division of women representatives

NO. of women RepresentativesNO. of women RepresentativesNO. of women RepresentativesNO. of women Representatives




93

S.No. Caste ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percentage

1 OC - 2 4 29 35 11.04

2 BC 1 14 26 173 214 67.51

3 SC - 4 5 49 58 18.30

4 ST - - 1 9 10 3.05

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Table 1 observed that the caste of the women representatives

revealed that an overwhelming majority of the respondents (67.51%)

are backward classes, 18.30% of women representatives are

Scheduled Castes, 11.04% of the women representatives are Other

Community and the rest of the 3.05 percent of the women

representatives are Scheduled Tribes. This shows that the Backward

castes women representatives are more compared with others in the

selected area of the study.

Age:Age:Age:Age:

Participation in Political life is closely connected with age and

domestic responsibilities especially in the case of women who serve

the public in different areas of political field. The extent and degree of

participation are greatly influenced by age. Experiences in the life,

also helps the participants in political life with regard to ideological

commitment, interaction with public and participatory system. Thus




94

age is one of the determining factors in the emergence of women

leadership in the local self-government. Therefore a clear picture is

given in the following table regarding the age wise division of the

women representatives of the Therlam Assembly Constituency area.




95

Table Table Table Table 2 2 2 2

Age wise Division of Women RepresentativesAge wise Division of Women RepresentativesAge wise Division of Women RepresentativesAge wise Division of Women Representatives

S.

No.

Age

Group ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch

Ward

Member Total Percentage

1 20-30 - - 2 43 45 14.20

2 31-40 1 5 15 80 101 31.86

3 41-50 - 7 12 65 84 26.50

4 Above 50 - 8 7 72 87 27.44

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Table 2 observed that the age of the women representatives

revealed that the majority of the women representatives (31.86%) are

31 to 40 years age group, (27.44) are above 50 years age group.

26.50% of the women representatives are in 41 to 50 years age and

the remaining (14.20%) of the women representatives are 20 to 30

years. This shows that the respondents of 41 to 50 and above 50 years

age group women representatives are in nearly same percent

compared with others in the selected area of the study.

From the above data it is clear that the younger and middle age

women are stepping into the process of political empowerment.

Another point to be noted from the above table is that there is a change

in the leadership of traditional Panchayats and the present




96

Panchayats. Studies on Panchayat Raj institutions in the past shows

that generally the higher age group persons used to occupy the

leadership in the Panchayat Raj institutions. Now the trend is shifting

from higher age to younger and middle age group leadership. This

tendency of shifting of the leadership from higher age group to younger

and middle age group is an indication of the motivation and inclination

of younger generation of women in the process of political

empowerment. Another point to be kept in mind is that the higher age

groups of women in Therlam Constituency are not inclined to enter into

the new political process towards empowerment. Women, generally

after 50 years, shows less interest to take-up any new activity whether

it is political or social because of their traditional background and a

place like Therlam Constituency which is both traditional and

backward. Due to these factors the process of political empowerment

of women in this area of our study has been involved by younger age

group of women. This is also an healthy atmosphere in implementing

the 73rd and 74th Amendment which aimed at giving opportunity to

women and weaker sections in the process of political empowerment.

Marital Status:Marital Status:Marital Status:Marital Status:

Marital status play an important role in the village set up especially with

regard to women and in particular in backward areas like Therlam Constituency. A

married women is considered to be fully qualified from all social aspects and they

are respected in the traditional set up of the village life. Thanks to the Government




97

Legislation, voluntary organizations and women activists, child marriages are not in

practice in the Therlam Constituency except a very few families who celebrate child

marriage due to the great respect in the older generation of the family. In the

traditional Indian village set up widow remarriages are not common except in a few

lower castes widows are allowed to remarry depending on their traditional and

social customs. The role played by widows within their traditional customs and

restrictions during the freedom movement of our country cannot be underestimated.

To sublimate their psychological suffering in leading lonely life they diverted their

energies and strength towards winning freedom to our country. In the traditional

village set up our country, in the present generation also there are women of that

category who are able to devote their time and energies to serve the country by

participating in the local governance. The following table gives a clear picture of the

age group of women representatives of the local governance of Therlam

Constituency. It is also clear from the following table that the marital status of the

Therlam Constituency women representatives is hundred percent.




98

Table Table Table Table 3333

Marital Status of Women RepresentativesMarital Status of Women RepresentativesMarital Status of Women RepresentativesMarital Status of Women Representatives

S.

No

.

Total number

of Women

Representativ

es

ZPT

C

MPT

C

SARPACNC

H

W

M

Tota

l

Perce

nt

1 Married 1 20 35 25

3 309 97.48

2 Un-married - - - - -

3 Widow - - 1 7 8 2.52

4 Divorced - - - - -

Total 1 20 36 26

0 317 100.00

Marital status wise distribution of the women leaders is

presented in Table 3. The data in the Table shows that majority

(97.48%) of the women leaders are married while remaining (2.52%) of

the women representatives are unmarried. The unmarried respondents

are small in number, as compared to married.

Size of the Family:Size of the Family:Size of the Family:Size of the Family:

Size of the family also plays an important role in the political

participation of women. Of course some other factors like individual

merit, social service, aptitude for mass uplift, admiration towards

political parties and the like also play an important role in the political




99

participation. As woman bears the responsibility of bringing up the

children, she will generally have less time towards participation in

political life. It is generally believed that women with small size families

can devote their time towards political participation. In the present

study the families of the women representatives have been divided into

three broad categories (1) small size family is 1 to 3 members; (2)

middle sized family is 3 to 5 members and large size family is 5 to 10

members. The following table gives the details of the family size of the

women representatives. It also shows that the women with small

families are able to shape their lives in the process of political

empowerment.


SizeSizeSizeSize----wise Division of Families of Women Representativeswise Division of Families of Women Representativeswise Division of Families of Women Representativeswise Division of Families of Women Representatives

S.

No.

Size of the

family ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

1 NO Children - 1 2 7 10 3.15

2 Single Child 1 1 2 11 15 4.73

3 Two Children - 6 16 81 103 32.49

4 Three

Children - 7 11 103 121 38.17

5 Above three

Children - 5 5 58 68 21.45

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00




100

Table 4 observed that the size of the family of the women

representatives revealed that an overwhelming majority of the women

representatives (38.17%) have three children, while remaining 32.49

percent of women representatives have two children, 21.45 percent of

the women representatives have above three children, 4.73 percent of

the women representatives have single child and the rest of the

women representatives (3.15%) have no children. This shows that the

majority of the women representatives having three children in their

family when compared with others in the selected area of the study.

Social Life:Social Life:Social Life:Social Life:

Social life is one of the determinants of social background of a

village community. People of Therlam Assembly Constituency are

generally obedient, tolerant and unconscious of their rights. More

details will be discussed in the pages ahead. The traditional and

backward set up of the area is some what the same for a long time.

New changes are apparently visible in various forms such as increase

in education, standard of living and the like. Modernization has its own

influence on the people of this area and this resulted in the attitudinal

change of people toward religion, customs and traditions. Similarly

there is an apparent change among the people towards recreation

after working hard in the fields through out the daytime. Folk songs,




101

dramas and ballads were the main types of recreation in olden days

and now the main sources of recreation are cinema and television.

The traditional set up of rural life was a symbol of cooperation

and cordial relations among the villagers. Therlam Assembly

Constituency though resembles this type of traditional structure it is not

completely isolated from the urban culture. The rural community is in

the process of awakening. The people of Therlam Constituency

especially the scheduled castes and Backward caste have developed

consciousness about their rights, privileges and government facilities.

For example the DWCRA Programme (Development of Women and

Children in Rural areas) introduced by Andhra Pradesh Government in

1982 and extended to all the districts during 1994-1995 helped the

women of the Therlam Constituency in the process of political

empowerment. DWCRA is a program to empower women to bring out

the hidden talents, strength and power of women. Empowerment of

women cannot be ensured until they organize themselves through

collective strength. This is a prerequisite for initiating action lobbying,

pressuring and bargaining. Grass root organisation can enhance the

opportunities for poor women to participate in development

programmes by providing an organizational base to operation. By

organizing, working together sharing experiences and resources,

building pressure groups and so forth women can find independent

access to opportunities for developmentlxxv, The response from the




102

women of Therlam Constituency to the DWCRA program is

satisfactory. DWCRA also changed the social life of the women of the

Therlam Constituency. Women now came to know the value of time

and money and therefore gossiping which is very common among the

rural women has been replaced by empowering themselves through

DWCRA schemes. Grama Savikas and Animators play a key role in

creating awareness on DWCRA among rural women. The researcher

had the opportunity of having oral interviews with some of the Grama

Savikas of the area under study and based on the information revealed

through the interview it is felt that the Grama Savikas are efficient in

providing information to women and helpful in prioritizing women’s

interest and providing cooperation and coordination. Therefore the

women of Therlam Constituency’s social life was unlike the past has

now been shifted to empowering themselves through the scheme

adopted by the Government for the welfare of the women especially

Backward and tribal women. Of course, it does not mean that each

and every women of the area under study knows about the DWCRA

and other schemes. These are still a number of women who does not

even know that the DWCRA scheme is meant for women and children.

No doubt there is awareness among women but that is limited.

Therefore there should be awareness of women’s empowerment

schemes, procedural details and other related matters. Some of the

women who entered into the DWCRA Schemes have been able to




103

earn themselves making adda leaves, dairying and tailoring.

Whenever the women meet, they are showing interest to discuss about

the schemes that help them to empower and therefore there is a great

mark in the social life of women. Therefore, Therlam Constituency,

through the involvement of women in the DWCRA schemes has been

able to provide `political nursery’ which will produce for male leaders in

the process of political empowerment proximity to administrative and

political power during the group meetings, workshops and training

programmes enable the women to dream for power one day – a definite

shift from being power less to powerfullxxvi.

Religion:Religion:Religion:Religion:

One of the most important aspect of village social life is religion.

The people of Therlam Constituency are religious minded people form

the very beginning. They believe in the worship of Gods and Goddess.

It is worth to mention here that the Rajas of Vizianagaram were the

great patrons of the famous Varahalakshminarasimha Swami Temple

which is situated in the Simhachalam. The Rajas donated huge lands

to the temple and they are the hereditary trustees even today.

Therefore the atmosphere at the district head quarters of Therlam

Constituency has its own influence on the people of the area under

study. A number of temples of village goddess do exist in and around

Therlam Constituency. Majority of the respondents are Hindus. Sacred

rivers are also existing. People have their holy bath at these rivers on




104

auspicious days and some of the traditional Brahmin men have their

daily river bath and offer their prayers to Lord Surya. As a result of the

urban influence on rural life, there has been a marked change in the

conservative outlook of the villagers. Untouchability is receding day by

day. Even the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe community has

been allowed to enter the temples. The other two religions of the

constituency are Muslims and Christians. Hindus, Muslims and

Christians celebrate their respective festivals and other functions in a

coordinal manner.

Table Table Table Table 5555 Religious division of the Women RepresentativesReligious division of the Women RepresentativesReligious division of the Women RepresentativesReligious division of the Women Representatives

S.N

o

Name

of the

Religion

ZPT

C

MPT

C

Sarpanc

h

Ward

membe

r

Tota

l

Percentag

e

1 Hindu 1 20 36 256 313 98.74

2 Christia

n - - - 4 4 1.26

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

From the above table it is clear that the area under study is

dominated by Hindus. Majority of women members are also Hindus.

There are four Christian women members. It is also clear that the

process of political empowerment has been involved by majority of

Hindu women.

Education:Education:Education:Education:




105

Vizianagaram district is famous as center of educational learning

and knowledge. It is also a center for fine arts. The traditional Sanskrit

education and fine arts were during the past confined only to the

Brahmin caste. Brahmin families were engaged in Sanskrit education

and their means of livelihood was priesthood. The Rajas of

Vizianagaram were the great patrons of education and fine arts. They

established schools and colleges to impart education to the children.

The present famous music college at Vizianagaram produced a great

number of artists like Late Dwaram Venkata Swami Naidu the famous

violin master. Though Vizianagaram is considered to be the seat of

learning the surrounding areas like Therlam Constituency are yet to

improve the literacy rate. One of the features of the traditional Indian

society is that respectable families did not allow their daughters and

daughter-in-laws to be seen by any person outside the family. Under

such circumstances it is impossible to expect education among girls.

Upto 1956 women’s education was not common. Gradually, the

number of school going girls began to be increased. Due to the impact

of urban culture the general tendency among the parents has been

changed. They began to realize that their daughters would have to live

under economic burden if they were deprived of education. By 1970’s

parents of both forward caste and backward caste started sending their

daughters also to the schools to obtained education. The modern

trend of the parents is that it is only through proper education their




106

children will prosper in future. Parents are ready to impart education

to their children at the cost of the maintenance of their family which is a

healthy trend. However areas like Therlam Constituency are yet to

make efforts in the development of education among the children of

their families. The following table indicates the educational

qualifications of the women representatives.




107

Table Table Table Table 6666 Educational Qualifications of the Women RepresentativesEducational Qualifications of the Women RepresentativesEducational Qualifications of the Women RepresentativesEducational Qualifications of the Women Representatives

Level of

Education

No.of Women Politicians Total Percentage

ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM

Illiterate - 5 5 120 130 41.01

Primary - 3 8 71 82 25.87

Secondary - 8 15 60 83 26.18

Inter - 3 5 9 17 5.36

Degree &

above 1 - 1 - 2 0.63

Professional

Qualifications - 1 2 - 3 0.95

Total 1 20 36 360 317 100.00

Majority of the women representatives (41.01%) in Therlam

Constituency are of Illiterates. This indicates level of education is not a

major constraint for women political empowerment in Therlam

Constituency. 26.18 percent of women representatives are studied

upto secondary education, 25.87 percent of the women

representatives are studied upto primary education, 5.36 percent of the

women representatives studied intermediate and the remaining very

few women representatives 0.95 percent and 0.63 percent studied

degree & above and professional qualifications.




108


News Papers and Periodicals ReaderNews Papers and Periodicals ReaderNews Papers and Periodicals ReaderNews Papers and Periodicals Reader

Reading

of News

Papers

No.of Women Politicians

Total Percentage ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM

Yes 1 12 27 89 129 40.69

No - 8 9 171 188 59.31

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

The above table indicates that the women political leaders were

habituated to take advantage of news paper/periodicals. Majority

(59.31%) of the women representatives are not reading the news

papers daily and test of the 40.69 percent of the women

representatives are reading news papers

The above data with regard to the educational qualifications of

the respondents of the area under study indicates of two important

points. One is that respondents are not highly educated. Second is

that education, in some special cases is not the main criteria to

achieve the desired leadership qualities or participation in political field.

For example, our study reveal that even the women with very less

qualifications in education are stepping into the process of political

empowerment. Studies on women leadership in Panchayat Raj

institutions conducted in some other states and a few studies in




109

Andhra Pradesh reveal that there are successful women Sarpanches

with less educational qualifications. Therefore it is to be understood

that political empowerment is a process which involves both the

educated and uneducated women. The more the women involve in

this process especially the educated women they could be more

modals to the rural illiterate women to improve their educational

qualifications through inspirations.

EcoEcoEcoEconomic Status:nomic Status:nomic Status:nomic Status:

Before going to the details of the economic status of the women

representatives in the local bodies of Therlam Constituency, it is

necessary to know the economic set up of the Therlam Constituency -

its traditional as well as the recent trends that have changed the

economic structure of the Therlam Constituency. As mentioned earlier

Therlam Constituency, being a backward area, the livelihood of the

people is mainly cultivation and to some extent mainly upon traditional

occupation. Brahmins being the upper caste in the society receive

great respect from the rest of the other castes and they perform the

religious function and impart the Vedic knowledge to the younger

generation to utilize for the welfare of the society as the custodians of

our rich culture. The Kshatriyas, the ruling class by birth used to

perform their duties. It is worth mention here that Therlam

Constituency was also under the rule of Rajas of Vizianagaram long

ago the present head quarters of the constituency. After




110

independence even in the democratic system of administration the

Rajas of Vizianagaram are saving the country as representatives of the

people. The people of Therlam Constituency have their highest

regards to the Rajas of Vizianagaram and even today the people of

Therlam Constituency follow the traditions in respecting this ruling

class. The vysyas who are the traders by birth continuing their trade

since the pre-independence days. Vizianagaram is a big business

centre. The other castes are continuing their traditional occupations.

For example, the yadavas supply milk, the barbers cut the hair and

shave, the oil men press oil seeds and supply oil, the kummari supply

pots, the padmasalees weave the cloth, the salaries ferrying boats,

the dhobi washes the clothes, the cobbler makes the leather goods,

the scavenger do scavenge and other castes service the upper castes

in various ways and therefore the traditional occupation is to some

extent is the main source of livelihood in the Therlam Constituency.

However, fifty years of independence brought tremendous change in

the economic set up of their areas. The rapid growth of population in

India also brought great changes in the occupation of the people with

regard to their livelihood. Traditional occupations were not in a

position to fulfill the necessary requirements of the people. Therefore

people began to search for new avenues of livelihood. Employment

opportunities in the urban and semi urban areas attracted the people

and the increased transport facilities help them from moving their




111

villages early in the morning and coming back in the evening. A

number of labourers, employers, and other workers of Therlam

constituency go to the nearly towns in search of livelihood and become

the beneficiars of the new employment opportunities.

As mentioned previously, the government of Andhra Pradesh

designed some schemes like DWCRA, TRYSEM, ICDS and others to

eliminate poverty among the rural women. If women are economically

independent their status in the family and society improves. Therefore,

the Women of Therlam Constituency on par with other constituencies

taking active part in the above schemes which is a mark of progress

among women in their journey towards political empowerment.

The following table shows the possession of land by the women

representatives of the area under study:


Distribution of Women Leaders by their Family IncomeDistribution of Women Leaders by their Family IncomeDistribution of Women Leaders by their Family IncomeDistribution of Women Leaders by their Family Income

IncomeIncomeIncomeIncome

(in Rs.)(in Rs.)(in Rs.)(in Rs.) ZPTCZPTCZPTCZPTC MPTCMPTCMPTCMPTC SarpanchSarpanchSarpanchSarpanch WMWMWMWM TotalTotalTotalTotal PercentPercentPercentPercent

Below 10000 - - 1 34 35 11.04

10001 – 20000 - 2 8 182 192 60.57

20001 - 30000 - 5 11 32 48 15.14

30001 - 40000 - 7 9 12 28 8.83

40001 – 50000 1 4 4 - 9 2.84




112

Above 50000 - 2 3 - 5 1.58

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

It can be seen from Table 8 that the majority (60.57%) of the

women representatives have Rs. 10,001 to Rs 20,000 income, while

15.14 percent women representatives have income between Rs.

20001 to Rs 30000 and 11.04 percent women representatives have

below Rs. 10000, 8.83 percent of the women representatives have

between Rs. 30001 to Rs. 40000, 2.84 percent of the women

representative have income between Rs. 40001 to Rs. 50000 and the

rest of the women representatives have income above Rs. 50000.

The women representatives besides possessing some

agriculture land do engage themselves in their field works. Some are

working as agricultural labourers. Some are actively associating

themselves with the DWCRA, TRYSEM, and ICDC. Besides this, the

earning of their husband and other family members adds their

possessions. However, the respondents in general hesitated to

answer their sources of income. Possession of lands and other assets

as many of the rural women are very careful while divulging the real

status of income of their family members including themselves. It is

clear from the above table that poor and middle class women also

have the opportunity of empowering themselves through the local

bodies.




113

Women who posses 6 to 10 acres of land are mostly

Sarpanches and Zilla Parishad’s Chair person. There is also a contrast

tin the economic status of women representatives – Ward members,

Sarpanches and Zilla Parishad, Chair Person, Ward Members who

posses 1 to 5 acres are 58 in number where as Sarpanches and

Chairperson of Zilla Parishad possess 5 to 10 acres of land. As

mentioned earlier agriculture is the main occupation of the people.

With the development of new techniques in agriculture the new types

of seeds, fertilizers, pump sets, tractors, improved wooden plough and

other facilities provided by the Government people are more interested

in developing their agricultural land and earn money. The rise in price

of the agricultural land is also one of the reasons in improving the

economic position of the land owners. On the whole, the process of

economic development placed the rural women in a position to think of

their all round betterment. This is an healthy sign in the process of

political empowerment of women in the rural areas.

Political Awareness:Political Awareness:Political Awareness:Political Awareness:

Political awareness of the people of Therlam Constituency in general and

women representatives of Therlam Constituency has its long roots starting from the

days of the political liberalization movement of India. Both men and women of the

Vizianagaram district played a very remarkable role in liberating the country from

the foreign yoke, According to the old generations of Therlam Constituency, for the




114

first time in 1921 when the national movement was started under the leadership of

Mahatma Gandhi, political awareness began to take root. However, Therlam

Constituency being a backward area, the villagers are so engrossed with their social

and economic problems they have no time to think about the political issues. Added

to this, lack of education is also responsible for the low level of political awareness.

Paradoxically, a new trend is to be seen in the elections either local, district or state

level. As a result of the media facilities especially television, the village both men

and women began to know what is happening around and they are showing

interest on various factors like caste interest, public interest, or party interest or

power interest. The contribution of political parties in this aspect cannot be under

estimated. During elections, political parties through their party workers make great

efforts to gather people to their party meetings by paying some money, food and

transport. By attending such meetings the common people in the rural areas are

able to know something about the political situation. Even the illiterate people show

interest in attending the meetings now a days. Both the national and regional

parties have their influence on the Therlam Constituency. The influence of

Congress party was more during the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy regime and

during the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. The Congress Party continued its

influence by introducing various schemes for the development of women especially

the rural women. During the researcher’s interviews with the women respondents

some respondents expressed that they entered into politics mainly as fans of NTR

the great hero. To assess the political awareness of the respondents especially with

regard to the gross root administration, and functions of local bodies the researcher

asked a few questions orally that are not covered in the questionnaire. Questions

asked to the respondents are as follows:

1. When the system of Panchayat Raj institutions was introduced in

Andhra Pradesh?




115

2. How many times Grama Sabha meets in a year?

3. Who are the members of the Grama Sabha?

4. What are the duties and powers of women Sarpanches?

On the basis of the correct answers given by the respondents

the level of political awareness among the respondents was assed and

the same is presented in the following table.


Political Awareness among the women RepresentativesPolitical Awareness among the women RepresentativesPolitical Awareness among the women RepresentativesPolitical Awareness among the women Representatives

Awareness Number of

Respondents

Percent

1. Nil 27 8.52

2. Average 188 59.31

4. Good 102 32.17

Total 317 100.00

The above table makes it clear that even among the women who

entered into the local bodies as representatives of the people basic

knowledge about the Panchayat Raj institutions is nil among 10

members. There are women who do not possess educational

qualifications and belongs to interior villages of the constituency. The

average awareness among 40 women, who are some Sarpanches

and ward members is an indicative factor that middle level tire of

Panchayat Raj institutions constitutes at least average political




116

awareness of women representatives. The other two categories, i.e.,

`fair’ and `good’ political awareness constitutes mandal Presidents

and Chair Person of Zilla Parishad. The above table also makes it

clear that the awareness among the members of Gram Panchayats is

less than the awareness among the mandal Presidents and

Chairperson of Zilla Parishad.

Affiliation of Political Parties among Affiliation of Political Parties among Affiliation of Political Parties among Affiliation of Political Parties among

Women Respondents:Women Respondents:Women Respondents:Women Respondents:

Party affiliation and acquaintance with the leaders of a particular party who

play a great role in the gross root political involvement of the representatives. The

study reveals that out of 76 women 39 belong to Telugu Desam party and 37 belong

to Congress party through the difference is very small. There are no independent

contestants and other party contestants.

Experience in social service activities and Experience in social service activities and Experience in social service activities and Experience in social service activities and

other political activities:other political activities:other political activities:other political activities:

Involvement in the social service activities and other political activities have

a definite influence in determining the perceptions and patterns of behaviours of

people representatives. As Therlam Constituency is a backward area social service

activities generally take place occasionally. Unlike the urban areas, social service

organizations are limited in the rural areas. Therefore the women respondents have

little experience in the social service activities. But some of their activities like youth

activities and village development activities. However, their participation in the

middle and lower tier political institutions, convership of the party, participation in

student politics, canvassing in elections are some of the activities of women of the




117

area under study. Majority of the women representatives except a few are the first

time participants in the local body elections.

The entry of women into the local political bodies of Therlam

Constituency goes back to early 50’s and 60’s when Therlam

Constituency was not formed. At that time the method of nomination

and direct or indirect election was in operation. Direct election means

the political office holders are elected directly by the citizens. Indirect

election means election by the elected representatives. In Andhra

Pradesh the middle tire institutions elected through territorial

constituencies called MPTCs are directly elected and the President of

the Mandal is elected from among the MPTCs through indirect

election. Cooption is also followed in the election or selection of an

individual or individuals into a body by the members existing. Some

members of Panchayat Raj were elected by this method. With the

introduction of reservations to women and weaker sections in the local

political bodies the new generation of women have been the

beneficiaries of the process of political empowerment.

From the above analysis it is evident that the political process in

the rural set up has been undergoing great changes according to the

needs of the time. The socio economic and political awakening among

the women of the area under study has bee paved the way for their

involvement in the local political bodies for a greater and meaningful

representations of women folk. Their exposure to the existing




118

developmental programmes, and the involvement of women in these

programs as group helped them to articulate themselves. However

they have to overcome the obstacles like domestic and household

responsibilities, position of subordination within the family, lack of

knowledge and skills, asserting their rights – all those that are coming

in their way of political empowerment. The next chapter deals with the

above aspects in detail and the role of women representatives in the

local political bodies as part of the process of political empowerment of

rural women.




119

CHAPTER – V

POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN

PANCHAYATRAJ INSTITUTIONS OF

THERLAM CONSTITUENCY

The 73rd amendment which came into force on 24th April, 1993

provided women and Dalits an opportunity to participate in the political

and social decision making process. According to 243 D of the

constitution, the scheduled Castes (SCs)/Scheduled Tribes(STs) are

provided reservation in Panchayats in proportion to their population in

that area. Similarly, one third of the seats are reserved for women

belongs to SC/ST community. As a result, as of now, nearly eight lakh

women and six lakh of scheduled castes/tribes were elected to

different levels of Panchayat Raj institutions in the country. Here

reservations are not viewed as an end in itself but as a means to an

end i.e, empowerment of the weaker sections particularly women and

Dalits.1

The women of the Badangi, Therlam and Merakamudidam

mandals (Therlam Constituency) are also the beneficiaries of the 73rd

and 74th amendments of the constitution and they have been actively

involved in the process of political empowerment of women through

Panchayati Raj institutions. Therlam Constituency is one of the 12




120

Constituencies of Vizianagaram district. In the Therlam Constituency,

there are three mandals i.e., Badangi, Therlam and Merakamudidam.

Badangi mandal consists of 41 villages with 25 Panchayats, Therlam

mandal consists of 50 villages with 32 Panchayats and in the

Merakamudidam mandal consistis of 41 villages with 24 Panchayats .

Total Geographical area of Therlam Constituency is 51,740 acres.

The population of the Therlam Constituency is 1,61,636 with fifty

percent of female population. The following tables explain the number

of women won the elections of Panchayat Raj Institutions during 2006

and their respective places of success in Therlam Constituency.


Showing the total elected ZPTC member in Therlam Constituency Showing the total elected ZPTC member in Therlam Constituency Showing the total elected ZPTC member in Therlam Constituency Showing the total elected ZPTC member in Therlam Constituency

in in in in July July July July 2006200620062006

S.No. Nam of the

Women

Designation Place of success

in Elections

1 Bonu Savitri Member of

Vizayanagaram Zilla

Parishad Territorial

Constituency (ZPTC)

Nemalam


Showing the total elected MPTC members in Showing the total elected MPTC members in Showing the total elected MPTC members in Showing the total elected MPTC members in

Therlam Constituency in Therlam Constituency in Therlam Constituency in Therlam Constituency in July July July July 2006200620062006

S.No. Name of the Place of Success Party




121

Woman

Badangi Mandal

1 Gottapu

Eswaramma

Rejeru Congress

2 Pudi Tirupathamma Vadada Congress

3 Chella

Narayanamma

Badangi T.D.P.

4 Bogi Jayamma Koduru T.D.P.

5 Pappala

Simhachalamamma

Veerasagaram T.D.P.

Therlam Mandal

1 Gandham

Venkataratnam

Sundarada Congress

2 Gandi Adilaxmi Nemalam Congress

3 Arnipalli

Thowdamma

V. Chinnayyapeta Congress

4 Terli Ramanamma Amiti Congress

5 Narusupalli Ashoda Therlam T.D.P.

6 Chiriki Gowriswari Kusumuru T.D.P.

Merakamudidam Mandal

1 Sagi

Saraswathamma

Somalingapuram Congress

2 Buddaraju

Parvathamma

Uuttaravalli Congress

3 Routh

Seetaramamma

Biillalavalasa Congress

4 Senapathi Bharathi Garugubilli Congress




122

5 Thalachutla

Sundaramma

Puligummi Congress

6 Satyavarapu Laxmi Byripuram Congress

7 Kotla Rajyalaxmi Chinabantupalli T.D.P.

8 Sankili Merakamma Merakamudidam T.D.P.

9 Sanapathi

Chinnamma

Bheemavaram T.D.P.

M.P.T.C. = Mandal Parishad Territorial constituency

Table Table Table Table 12121212 Showing the total elected Sarpanches in Showing the total elected Sarpanches in Showing the total elected Sarpanches in Showing the total elected Sarpanches in

Therlam Constituency in Therlam Constituency in Therlam Constituency in Therlam Constituency in August, August, August, August, 2006200620062006

S.No. Name of the

Woman

Place of Success Party

Badangi Mandal

1 Vangapandu

Vimala

Paltheru Congress

2 Maripi Latha Koduru Congress

3 Nalla Vijaya Veerasagaram Congress

4 Pudi Jayalaxmi Vadada Congress

5 Bomminaini Mani Rejeru Congress

6 Mekala

Narayanamma

P. Venkampeta Congress

7 Sankili Kottamma Mugada T.D.P.

8 Chappa Bheemavaram T.D.P.




123

Gowramma

9 Avu

Appalanarasamma

Pedapalli T.D.P.

10 Kottla Seetamma Pindrangivalasa T.D.P.

11 Akkena

Ravanamma

Laxmipuram T.D.P.

12 Ravipalli Chinna Akulakatta T.D.P.

Therlam Mandal

1 Bonela Laxmi Nemalam Congress

2 Senapathi

Pydamma

Perumali Congress

3 Eedu Ammaji Arasabalaga Congress

4 Cheekati Savithri Cheekatipeta Congress

5 Narusupalli

Parvathi

Therlam Congress

6 Balaga

Narasamma

Sativada Congress

7 Gulivindala

Lalithakumari

Goluguvalasa Congerss

8 V. Simhachalam Nandabalaga Congress

9 Gavara Satyavathi Rajayyapeta Congress

10 Senapathi

Ravanamma

Rangappavalasa T.D.P.

11 Buri Venkatamma Vijayarampuram T.D.P.

12 Singireddi

Savitramma

Kavirayani Valasa T.D.P.

13 Chappa

Satyavathi

Pamulavalasa T.D.P.




124

Merakamudidam Mandal

1 Baviri Laxmi Bheemavaram Congress

2 Karrothu Laxmi Chellapuram Congress

3 Pappala

Asiramma

Byripuram Congress

4 Nerella Laxmi G. Marrivalasa Congress

5 Sirivuru

Bangaramma Somalingapuram Congress

6 Pinni Ravanamma M. Ravivalasa Congress

7 Talachutla

Vijayarathnam

Uttaravalli Congress

8 Gedala Suramma Puligummi T.D.P.

9 Nidaganti Sarada Ramayavalasa T.D.P.

10 Yedla

Chinnammadu

Gollalavalasa T.D.P.

11 Kotla Sasikala Chinabantupalli T.D.P.




125


Showing theShowing theShowing theShowing the total elected Ward Members in total elected Ward Members in total elected Ward Members in total elected Ward Members in

Therlam Constituency in Therlam Constituency in Therlam Constituency in Therlam Constituency in August August August August 2006200620062006

S.No.S.No.S.No.S.No. Name of the MandalName of the MandalName of the MandalName of the Mandal PartyPartyPartyParty

TotalTotalTotalTotal CongressCongressCongressCongress TDPTDPTDPTDP

1 Badangi 40 35 75

2 Therlam 64 38 102

3 Merakamudidam 49 34 83

Total 153 107 260

Induction of Women Candidates in the PanchaInduction of Women Candidates in the PanchaInduction of Women Candidates in the PanchaInduction of Women Candidates in the Panchayat Elections of yat Elections of yat Elections of yat Elections of

Therlam Constituency in 2006:Therlam Constituency in 2006:Therlam Constituency in 2006:Therlam Constituency in 2006:

Although, Panchayat Raj elections are supposed to be

conducted on the basis of party less, political parties played a great

role in the selection of women candidates of Therlam Constituency of

Badangi, Therlam and Merakamudidam mandals Panchayati Raj

elections as it happened in many places where Panchayat Raj

elections were held. Families, who had their personal interaction with

the political parties both the ruling and opposition parties come forward

to induct the women members of their families or relatives into the

Panchayati Raj elections. Majority of the women/their family members




126

had allegiance with the ruling party i.e., the Congress party because

the party was in power when the elections were conducted and the

Developmental programs that were introduced by the Congress party

Government for the development of women were being attracted by

the women of the area under study. The women in the rural areas still

consider that male members of the family are the better judges in

achieving party affiliation to their women to contest in the elections. A

few women exhibited their own personal interest in contesting the

elections as a result of their awareness about the political

empowerment. Some of the women had the advantage of becoming

members of the self-help groups that created self-confidence among

them about their skills and abilities. This in turn resulted in creating

interest in their participation in the Panchayat Raj institutions as a mark

of beginning of their political empowerment. For instance DWCRA

Programme provides a good opportunity to the women to improve their

economic conditions, while also giving them a chance to have their and

managerial and leadership capabilities.2

Telugu Desam party the important opposition party in the state

had also its influence in the Panchayati Raj elections of Therlam

Constituency of Badangi, Therlam and Merakamudiam mandals. Out

of 317 women, 189 from Congress and 128 from Telugudesam Party

won the elections in the Therlam Constituency successfully. The

selection of women candidates belong to congress party was also




127

more or less decided by the male members of their families who had

good rapport with the congress party at the district and state level.

Some of the women had their self motivation to participate in the local

political bodies not only as beneficiaries but also as partners in the

process of political empowerment. However the data on the selection

of women in the Panchayat Raj elections of Therlam Constituency

shows that majority of the women had contested in the elections on the

encouragement of the political parties with whom their male family

members had close associations while selecting the women the party

leaders and the male family members gave priority to women who

have even very little knowledge about the village affairs. It is hoped

that even after winning the elections the male members could educate

the women and help them in the village administration. Thus the

political parties have an important role as catalysts in the

representative aspect of the process of local government. The most

obvious contribution which the parties can make is to assist the local

body in assuming the enthusiasm and focusing the support of the

electorate.3 Local political leaders find it advantageous to have

organizational ties with the political parties at the state level in order to

get financial and other types of support and in turn the parties at the

higher level use these local support for their national policies and

programmes.4 The local leaders of Therlam Constituency had their

affiliations to their respective parties at the district and state level act




128

according to the suggestions given by them in matters of elections and

other important issues. Therefore the relations among the party

leaders starting from village, mandal district and state level play a

crucial role in the elections of local political bodies besides other

factors like money, capabilities of the candidate and developmental

programmes to the needy. Another most important factor that helps

the parties in the selection of women candidates is to some extent the

individual interest, capabilities and abilities of the women

representatives. In order to assess the level of interests in the political

involvement, the selected women for study were served questionnaire

besides oral interviews. They were asked to explain their purpose of

participation in the local political bodies identifying certain priority areas

for the development of the village. The following tables explain the

individual interests of the women representatives in their concentration

for the over all development of the villages of their respective

jurisdiction. They were also asked to point out their favourite leader or

by whom they were inspired to enter to the local political bodies.

Priorities in the Development of the Villages and Priorities in the Development of the Villages and Priorities in the Development of the Villages and Priorities in the Development of the Villages and Sources of InspirationSources of InspirationSources of InspirationSources of Inspiration::::


Showing the priorities in the Development of the Villages and Sources Showing the priorities in the Development of the Villages and Sources Showing the priorities in the Development of the Villages and Sources Showing the priorities in the Development of the Villages and Sources

of Inspirations in Therlam Constitof Inspirations in Therlam Constitof Inspirations in Therlam Constitof Inspirations in Therlam Constituencyuencyuencyuency




129

S.NO.S.NO.S.NO.S.NO. Name of the Name of the Name of the Name of the

Woman Woman Woman Woman

representativerepresentativerepresentativerepresentative

Area of Area of Area of Area of

DevelopmentDevelopmentDevelopmentDevelopment

Welfare Welfare Welfare Welfare

activities activities activities activities

of womenof womenof womenof women

Favourite Favourite Favourite Favourite

leader leader leader leader

sources of sources of sources of sources of

inspirationinspirationinspirationinspiration

Z.P.T.C.Z.P.T.C.Z.P.T.C.Z.P.T.C.

1 Bonu. Savithri Roads,

Lights and

Drainages

Self help

groups

Rajasekhar

Reddy

M.P.T.C.M.P.T.C.M.P.T.C.M.P.T.C.

1. Gottapu.

Eswaramma

Drainages DWCRA Sonia Gandhi

2 Pudi.

Tirupathamma

Drainages

and lights

Deepam,

DWACRA

Sonia Gandhi

3 Challa

Narayanamma

Lights - Chandra

Babu Naidu

4 Pappala.

Simhachalamamma

Roads in

villages

DWACRA N.T.

Ramarao

5 Bogi. Jayamma Cleanliness

of the village

DWACRA Chandra

Babu Naidu

6 Gandham.

Venkatarathnam

Street Lights DWACRA Sonia Gandhi

7 Gandi. Adilaxmi Drainages

and Roads

Deepam Rajasekhara

Reddy

8 Arnipalli

Thoudamma

Drainage

and lights

DWACRA Rajasekhara

Reddy

9 Terli. Ravanamma Streetlights DWACRA Rajasekhara

Reddy

10 Narusupalli.

Yashoda

Street Light DWACRA Chandra

Babu Naiud




130

11 Chiriki. Gowriswari Roads and

Drainages

DWACRA

and

Deepam

N.T.

Ramarao

12 Sagi.

Saraswathamma

Drainage

and Roads

DWACRA Rajiv. Gandhi

13 Buddaraju.

Parvathamma

Street Lights DWACRA Rajasekhara

Reddy

14 Routh.

Seetaramamma

Roads,

Lights and

Drainages

Self help

groups

Sonia Gandhi

15 Senapathi. Bharathi Lights - Rajasekhar

Reddy

16 Talachutla.

Sundaramma

Roads in

villages

DWACRA Rajasekhar

Reddy

17 Satyavarapu. Laxmi Cleanliness

of the village

DWACRA Sonia Gandhi

18 Kotla. Rajyalaxmi Street Lights DWACRA Chandrababu

Naidu

19 Sankili Merakamma Cleanliness

of the village

DWACRA Chandra

Babu Naidu

20 Sanapathi.

Chinnamma

Roads,

Lights and

Drainages

Self help

groups

N.T.

Ramarao

Sarpanchas Sarpanchas Sarpanchas Sarpanchas

1. Vangapandu.

Vimala

Drainages DWCRA Rajasekhar

Reddy

2. Maripi. Latha Drainages

and lights

Deepam,

DWACRA

Sonia Gandhi

3. Nalla. Vijaya Lights - Rajasekhar

Reddy




131

4. Pudi. Jayalakshmi Roads in

villages

DWACRA Rajiv. Gandhi

5. Bomminayini. Mani Cleanliness

of the village

DWACRA Rahul

Gandhi

6. Mekala.

Narayanamma

Street Lights DWACRA Rajasekhara

Reddy

7. Sankili Kottamma Drainages

and Roads

Deepam N.T.

Ramarao

8. Chappa.

Gowramma

Drainage

and lights

DWACRA Chandrababu

Naidu

9. Avu.

Applanarasamma

Streetlights DWACRA Chandrababu

Naidu

10. Kottala. Seetamma Street Light DWACRA Chandrababu

Naiud

11. Akkena.

Ravanamma

Roads and

Drainages

DWACRA

and

Deepam

N.T.

Ramarao

12. Ravipalli. Chinna Drainage

and Roads

DWACRA Chandrababu

Naidu

13. Bonela. Laxmi Street Lights DWACRA Rajasekhara

Reddy

14. Senapayhi.

Pydamma

Roads,

Lights and

Drainages

Self help

groups

Sonia Gandhi

15. Eedu. Ammaji Lights - Rajasekhar

Reddy

16. Cheekati. Savitri Roads in

villages

DWACRA Rajasekhar

Reddy

17. Narusupalli.

Parvathi

Cleanliness

of the village

DWACRA Sonia Gandhi




132

18. Balaga.

Narasamma

Street Lights DWACRA Rajiv Gandhi

19. Guluvindala. Lalitha

Kumari

Cleanliness

of the village

DWACRA Rahul

Gandhi

20. V. Simhachalam Roads,

Lights and

Drainages

Self help

groups

Rajasekhar

Reddy

21. Gavara. Satyavathi Drainage

and Roads

DWACRA Rajasekhar

Reddy

22. Senapathi.

Ravanamma

Street Lights DWACRA Chandrababu

Naidu

23. Buri. Venkatamma Roads,

Lights and

Drainages

Self help

groups

N.T. Rama

rao

24. Signireddi.

Savitramma

Lights - Chandrababu

Naidu

25. Chappa. Satyavathi Roads in

villages

DWACRA N.T.

Ramarao

26. Baviri. Laxmi Cleanliness

of the village

DWACRA Rahul

Gandhi

27. Karrotu. Laxmi Roads,

Lights and

Drainages

Self help

groups

Rajasekhar

Reddy

28. Pappala. Asiramma Drainage

and Roads

DWACRA Rajasekhar

Reddy

29. Nerella. Laxmi Roads and

Drainages

DWACRA

and

Deepam

Sonia Gandhi

30. Sirivuru.

Bangaramma

Drainage

and Roads

DWACRA Rajasekhar

Reddy

31. Pinni. Ravanamma Street Lights DWACRA Rajasekhara




133

Reddy

32. Talachutla.

Vijayarathnam

Roads,

Lights and

Drainages

Self help

groups

Sonia Gandhi

33. Gedala. Suramma Lights - Chandrababu

Naidu

34. Nidaganti. Sarada Roads in

villages

DWACRA Chandrababu

naidu

35. Yedla.

Chinnammadu

Cleanliness

of the village

DWACRA N.T.

Ramarao

36. Kotla. Sasikala Roads,

Lights and

Drainages

Self help

groups

N.T.

Ramarao

Ward Members

Total

number

of Ward

Members

No.of Ward

members who

choose the

Developmental

programmes

to improve the

village

conditions

No of Ward

members

who choose

to take up

welfare

programmes

for women

No.of

ward

members

inspired

by

Congress

and their

leaders

No. of

Ward

members

inspired

by TDP

and their

leaders

Total

260 162 54 29 15 260

From the above tables it is clear that the women of Therlam

Constituency have some kind of awareness about their functions as

representatives though they were the first time participants. Therefore

they felt confused when the researcher asked them orally what type of




134

welfare activities they would take up for the development of the

villages. Initially they observed silence with some kind of shyness as it

is common with the backward traditional women in the villages. When

the researcher gave them some clues about the essential

requirements of the village like good roads, electricity lights and

welfare programs of women for their better living conditions they

nodded their heads showing the signs of yes. In the similar way when

the researcher asked them about their inspiration and to enter into the

process of participation in the local administration, and to point out

their favourite leaders they took some time to think and expressed that

they were attracted by the Telugu Desam party and their favourite

leaders are N.T.Rama Raos, Nara Chandra Babu Naidu, In a similar

way, ward members belong to congress party expressed that their

inspiration is due to Congress party and their favourete leaders are

Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and

Rajasekhara Reddy. However the survey revealed that majority of the

Panchayati Ward members are women with less education and no

political background. As mentioned earlier, mostly these women were

brought into these field of election as contestants by their male

members who have good influence among the villagers and linkages

with their respective political parties at the district and state level. They

also take into account the financial capabilities, earlier participation in

the political parties as winnability qualities if they have to induct a




135

woman other than family members or relatives according to the

existing situation during the time of elections. The following tables

gives a clear picture of the women members political relationships with

the party, their previous involvement in the party and their financial

expenditure in the elections.


Relationships with the Political Parties, previous involvement, and Relationships with the Political Parties, previous involvement, and Relationships with the Political Parties, previous involvement, and Relationships with the Political Parties, previous involvement, and

financial expenditure in the electionsfinancial expenditure in the electionsfinancial expenditure in the electionsfinancial expenditure in the elections

S.

NO.

Name of the

Woman

Representative

Political

influence

or

relationship

with the

party

Earlier

involvement

in polices of

the woman or

her family

members

Political

expenditure

in elections

ZPTCZPTCZPTCZPTC

1. Bonu. Savithri Yes Husband 80000

MPTCMPTCMPTCMPTC

1. Gottapu.

Eswaramma

Yes No. 70000

2 Pudi.

Tirupathamma

Yes No 60000

3 Challa

Narayanamma

Yes No 70000

4 Pappala.

Simhachalamamma

Yes Yes 65000

5 Bogi. Jayamma Yes No 50000

6 Gandham. Yes No. 75000




136

Venkatarathnam

7 Gandi. Adilaxmi Yes No 55000

8 Arnipalli

Thoudamma

Yes Yes 70000

9 Terli. Ravanamma Yes No 60000

10 Narusupalli.

Yashoda

Yes No 70000

11 Chiriki. Gowriswari Yes Yes. 80000

12 Sagi.

Saraswathamma

Yes No 60000

13 Buddaraju.

Parvathamma

Yes No 80000

14 Routh.

Seetaramamma

Yes No 65000

15 Senapathi. Bharathi Yes Yes 60000

16 Talachutla.

Sundaramma

Yes No. 55000

17 Satyavarapu. Laxmi Yes No 75000

18 Kotla. Rajyalaxmi Yes No 90000

19 Sankili Merakamma Yes Yes 50000

20 Sanapathi.

Chinnamma

Yes No 50000

SARPACHES

1. Vangapandu.

Vimala

Yes No 85000

2 Maripi. Latha Yes Yes

(husband)

70000

3. Nalla. Vijaya Yes No 70000




137

4 Pudi. Jayalakshmi Yes Yes(husband) 65000

5 Bomminayini. Mani Yes Yes(husband) 55000

6 Mekala.

Narayanamma

Yes No 30000

7. Sankili Kottamma Yes Yes

(husband)

40000

8 Chappa.

Gowramma

Yes No 50000

9 Avu.

Applanarasamma

Yes No 55000

10 Kottala. Seetamma Yes No. 45000

11 Akkena.

Ravanamma

Yes No 50000

12 Ravipalli. Chinna Yes No 45000

13 Bonela. Laxmi Yes Yes - - - - - - - -

14 Senapayhi.

Pydamma

Yes No 40000

15 Eedu. Ammaji Yes No. - - - - - - - - - -

16 Cheekati. Savitri Yes No 55000

17 Narusupalli.

Parvathi

Yes No 60000

18 Balaga.

Narasamma

Yes No 45000

19 Guluvindala. Lalitha

Kumari

Yes No 60000

20 V. Simhachalam Yes No 50000

21 Gavara. Satyavathi Yes No 60000

22 Senapathi. Yes No 40000




138

Ravanamma

23 Buri. Venkatamma Yes No 45000

24 Signireddi.

Savitramma

Yes No.No.No.No. 50000

25 Chappa. Satyavathi Yes No 55000

26 Baviri. Laxmi Yes No 60000

27 Karrotu. Laxmi Yes No 50000

28 Pappala. Asiramma Yes No 40000

29 Nerella. Laxmi Yes Yes 65000

30 Sirivuru.

Bangaramma

Yes No 40000

31 Pinni. Ravanamma Yes No 45000

32 Talachutla.

Vijayarathnam

Yes No 55000

33 Gedala. Suramma Yes No 40000

34 Nidaganti. Sarada Yes Yes 30000

35 Yedla.

Chinnammadu

Yes No 50000

36 Kotla. Sasikala Yes No 60000

Ward Members

Total No.

of ward

members

Political

influence or

relationship

with the party

Earlier

involvement in

politics of the

women or her

family members

Political expenditure in

Elections

260 Yes Yes (Family

members)

Except three ward

members who are

elected unanimously

others spent an




139

amount of Rs.3 to

thousand.

With regard to the political relationship or influence of the party

on the women members most of the women’s political socialization

began after their entry into the Panchayat Raj institutions. Gradually

they had their political orientation through party programs, experience

in exercising their duties and by making efforts to empower themselves

in the political process at the gross root level. Except a very few all the

women members of the sample of the study have their own male family

members involvement in the political field either former Sarpanches

/ward members or some close connections with the party supporters.

Coming to the election experiences and their expenditure in the

elections, the sum total that is shown in the table is much less than the

actual amount spent by them. Most of the women especially the

ZPTCs and MPTCs have been found unwilling to give their actual

expenditure for various reasons. In the case of ward members also

they also have to spend money though it is less when compared to the

amount spent by ZPTCs and MPTCs. Except three ward members

who were elected on unanimous basis the remaining 58 ward

members spent an amount of three to four thousand. Therefore the

data collected on the aspect of election of the women in local bodies

clarifies that though reservations have facilitated the entry of women




140

and weaker sections in more members still they have to face the

hurdles in the process of election.




141

Functioning of Women in the Functioning of Women in the Functioning of Women in the Functioning of Women in the Gram Panchayaties ofGram Panchayaties ofGram Panchayaties ofGram Panchayaties of Therlam Constituency:Therlam Constituency:Therlam Constituency:Therlam Constituency:

Badangi Mandal:Badangi Mandal:Badangi Mandal:Badangi Mandal:

The Women representatives selected for the present study belong to 25

villages of Badangi mandal, the total villages in Badangi mandal are 41 and out of

these 25 are Gram Panchayaties. The names of the villages are (1) Rajeru, (2)

P.Venkatampeta, (3) Pina Penki, (4) Kotipalli, (5) Anavaram, (6) Botchavanivalsa,

(7) Bheemavaram, (8) Lakshmipuram, (9) Pinnavlalasa, (10) Mallampeta, (11)

Pudivalasa, (12) Mugada (13) Badangi (14) Golladi (15) Gajarajunivalasa (16)

Tentuvalasa (17) Pedapalli (18) Donkinavalasa (19) Vadada.(20) Akulakatta, (21)

Gudepuvalasa (22) Koduru (23) Palteru (24) Veerasagaram (25) G.K.R.Puram.

The five mandal Parishad territorial constituencies are (1) G.K.R.Puram, (2)

Gudepuvalasa (3) Mugda (4) Koduru and (5) Donkinavada.

Therlam Mandal:Therlam Mandal:Therlam Mandal:Therlam Mandal:


villages of Therlam mandal, the total villages in Therlam mandal are 50 and out of

these 32 are Gram Panchayaties. The names of the villages are (1) Amity, (2)

Arasabalaga, (3) Cheekatipeta, (4) D. Gadabavalasa, (5) Gangannapadu, (6)

Goluguvalasa, (7) Gopalavalasa, (8) Kagam, (9) Kavirayinivalasa, (10) Koratam,

(11) Koonayavalasa, (12) Kusumuru, (13) Lingapuram, (14) Locharla, (15) M.R.

Agraharam (16) N. Burjavalasa (17) Nandabalaga (18) Nandigam (19) Nemalam

(20) Pamulavalasa, (21) Panukuvalasa (22) Perumali (23) Punuvalasa (24)

Rajayyapeta (25) Rangappavalasa (26) Sativada (27) Sundarada (28) Therlam (29)

Vuddavolu (30) Velagavalasa (31) Viziarampuram (32) V. Chinnaypeta. The five

mandal Parishad territorial constituencies are (1) Nandabalaga, (2) Amiti (3)

Locharla (4) D. Gadabavalasa (5) Nemalam (6) Kusumuru.




142

Merakamudidam Mandal:Merakamudidam Mandal:Merakamudidam Mandal:Merakamudidam Mandal:


villages of Merakamudidam mandal, the total villages in Merakamudidam mandal

are 41 and out of these 24 are Gram Panchayaties. The names of the villages are

(1) Merakamudidam, (2) Somalingapuram, (3) Vutapalli, (4) Byripuram, (5)

Sathamvalasa, (6) G. Marrivalasa, (7) Chinabantupalli, (8) Bheemavaram, (9)

Gottipalli, (10) Billalavalasa, (11) Budarayavalasa, (12) Kondalaveru (13) Korlam

(14) M. Marrivalasa (15) Ramayyavalasa (16) Garbham (17) Puligummi (18) Yadika

(19) Rachagumadam. (20) Uttaravalli, (21) Ippalavalasa (22) Gollalavalasa (23)

Chellapuram (24) Veerasagaram. The five mandal Parishad territorial

constituencies are (1) Puligummi, (2) Uttaravalli (3) Grarbham (4) Budarayavalasa

and (5) Byripuram.

The establishment of Panchayat Raj by the State Governments

is no obligatory gesture to India’s more than five lakhs villages. It is the

Constitution which had made it obligatory. The idea behind the

Panchayti Raj is the decentralization of power. In a democracy which is

participatory at the grass root level people have to be involved if

democracy is meant to be successful. If we recall the history of the

village development, we would find that the country started with

`Community Development Programme’ (CDP) in 1952.5 To facilitate

and coordinate the involvement of the people the system of Panchayat

Raj functioned through a two tier system in some states and three tier

system in some states. The state of Andhra Pradesh opted for three

tier pattern with the Zilla Parishad powerfully placed at the district level.




143

The Panchayati at the Block level (which are now called as mandal)

and the Gram Panchayats effectively designed for grass root

involvement of the village.6 According to an Act passed by the

Government of Andhra Pradesh in 1986, the Samiti Systems was

replaced by Mandal system on the grounds of administrative

convenience.7 From that time the three tier of local self government in

Andhra Pradesh is arranged in the following way

Zilla Partishad - District Level

Territorial Constituency - ZPTC

Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency - MPTC block level

Gram Panchayati - G.P Village level

The Gram Panchayaties in Therlam Constituency:The Gram Panchayaties in Therlam Constituency:The Gram Panchayaties in Therlam Constituency:The Gram Panchayaties in Therlam Constituency:

After the 73rd Amendment both the structure and functioning of

Gram Panchayat have been strengthened. Practically, Gram

Panchayat is identified and recognized as a distinctive institutions.8

Membership to Gram Panchayat is through direct elections. It is




144

constituted by Ward Members and Sarpanches. The head of Gram

Panchayat is designated as Sarpanch.9 All the Gram Panchayats that

are selected for the study follow the traditional pattern of

administration. The Sarpanch being the head of the village plays an

important role in the local developmental programmes.

The State of Women LeadershiThe State of Women LeadershiThe State of Women LeadershiThe State of Women Leadership in thep in thep in thep in the

Panchayats of Therlam Constituency:Panchayats of Therlam Constituency:Panchayats of Therlam Constituency:Panchayats of Therlam Constituency:

As mentioned earlier the women representatives were motivated

by the political parties to contest in the elections although the

Panchayati elections were supposed to be held on party less basis.

Even after holding their posts after winning elections, in many cases

the performance of the women representatives depends on the

wisdom of the male members of their family. Before we go into the

detailed discussion of the state of women leadership in the Panchayats

it is necessary to have quick glance of the functions and

responsibilities of village Panchayats.

The functions of Gram Panchayats are grouped into two

categories (1) General and (2) Obligatory. According to G.O.No.138

dated 18.4.2004 the following are most important functions under the

first category. (a) Supply of drinking water, (b) Sanitary case, (c)




145

Lighting and (Prevention of diseases. Under the second category i.e.,

obligatory functions the Gram Panchayats depending on their financial

resources can take up the following responsibilities:

a) to build chantries, rest houses;

b) plantation on the road sides and public places;

c) to establish hospitals;

d) to uplift the disabled, distitudes and unhealthy people;

e) to establish and maintain libraries;

f) to create playgrounds, body exercising centers;

g) to make storage arrangements for the preservation of quality

seeds;

h) to make security arrangements in the village;

i) to organize exhibitions of agricultural products of quality variety

and other items;

j) to encourage unity among the people of village by taking steps

towards elimination of untouchability;

k) to organize inter-dinning programmes in the dalit areas, to

provide entry to Dalits in the temples;

l) to convince the upper castes to allow the Dalits to take water

from the common wells of the village;

m) to encourage inter caste marriages;

n) to implement minimum wages;

o) to provide shelter to Dalits;

p) to eradicate corruption;

q) to take steps towards anti drinking campaign, gambling,

prostitution;

r) to take strong steps to protect the health and welfare of the

individuals in the village;

s) to protect the people from internal and external threats;




146

t) to establish peace societies to create harmony among all

sections of people in the society.

Though these are the obligatory functions the Gram Panchayats

are not supposed to neglect these. Depending on the financial

resources of the Gram Panchayats these are to be implemented in

order provide a happy peace and healthy life in the society. According

to the G.O. No.138 dated 18.4.2004 the Gram Panchayats must utilize

their resources giving utmost priority to the general functions of the

Panchayats.10 Minimum knowledge about the Panchayats and their

functions is a fundamental requirement to exercise the power as

elected members of the Panchayats. The field experience of the study

revealed that the women representatives had a very poor knowledge

with regard to the same. It is because `by and large the members

belonging to SC/ST groups are found to be illiterate, inexperienced and

less articulate’.11 As observed by a Rural Welfare Officer “Village

Panchayt Presidents in general do not have any perception of the

office procedures and the administrative system”.12 The position of the

women representatives of the Therlam Constituency also more or less

as mentioned above.




147

Meetings of Panchayats and the Gram Sabhas:Meetings of Panchayats and the Gram Sabhas:Meetings of Panchayats and the Gram Sabhas:Meetings of Panchayats and the Gram Sabhas:

In all the 81 villages of the area under study Gram Panchayats

(Therlam Constituency) and Gram Sabha meetings are held. Though

the women members are present in these meetings, majority of the

decisions are carried on unanimously. Some of the male members

who are active in the village politics take care about the smooth

functioning of the Sabhas or meetings.

The three tier system of Panchayat Raj introduced under the

new act of 1994 and its later amendments has Gram Panchayat,

Mandal Parishad and Zilla Parishad at the village, intermediate and

district levels respectively. The act also provides for the construction

of Gram Sabha at the village level with all the registered voters as

members to function as the general body of the Gram Panchayat. The

wide range of the functions of Gram Sabha includes the responsibility

of supervision and implementation of poverty alleviation programmes,

selection of local schemes, identification of beneficiaries etc. The act

also provides for direct election of members to the Panchayati Raj

Institutions at all three levels on the basis of wards for the Gram

Panchayats and territorial constituencies in the case of Mandal

Parishad and Zilla Parishad with reservation for the Scheduled Castes,

Scheduled Tribes, Back Ward Classes and women in proportion to

their population, one third of the total number of seats for direct




148

election in each of these bodies will be reserved for the back ward

classes and women. The Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat will be

elected directly by the electorate in the village and the President of

Mandal Parishad and the Chairperson of Zilla Parishad will be elected

from among the directly elected members in respect of these bodies.

The term of Panchayat Raj institutions is five years.13 In view of the

73rd constitutional amendment, all the states have made the necessary

provisions in their respective acts for the constitution of Gram Sabha

in order to facilitate planning, consultation and participation at the

village level. As a result, the process of participation at local level has

been legitimized. In functional terms all the activities of the concerned

village Panchayat are subject to the scrutiny of the people in terms of

taking up new activities as also reviewing the performance of the

schemes which have been completed. Activization of Gram Sabha will

mean that all new projects will have to be approved by the people.

Open discussions in the gram Sabha meetings are like to be useful in

(a) improving the quality of the work done; (b) enhancing the scope of

the activities in favour of rural people; (c) selection of better projects or

a better prioritization; (d) increase in the level of accountability of

leaders to the people and (e) improvement in the quality of

management and information system.14 With regard to the

participation of women representatives of Therlam Constituency in

Gram Sabhas the study revealed that conducting of Gram Sabhas on




149

traditional lines is still followed by the people of the area. This situation

has got an explanation as narrated by some of the senior citizens of

the area under study to the researcher. Traditionally, like many other

villages in India, in Therlam Constituency, all the decisions with regard

to the village development or any problems among the villagers are

concerned more to men rather than women. So the procedure of

conducting the gram Sabha is also being carried on the traditional

lines. After collecting data through structured questionnaire and

informal interviews with the women representatives, the researcher

also took the advantage of attending the Gram Panchayat Meetings

and Gram Sabha meetings in order to study more about the practical

working of the aims and objectives of the 73rd and 74th amendments

with regard to the empowerment of women through the Panchayat Raj

institutions. The researcher took the prior permission from the

respective village Sarpanches to allow him to attend the meetings.

The researcher had the opportunity of attending the first Gram Sabha

meeting. The meeting place was the Gram Panchayat office, which is

having quite sufficient open place to accommodate the gathering. The

time fixed for the meeting was 8 O’clock in the morning, the day being

Sunday, holiday for most of the ward members who are daily wage

earning labourers. One day before the meeting the announcement of

the meeting was made know to all the people in the village by drum

beating which was the duty of a voluntary worker of the Panchayat




150

whenever the Gram Sabha or the Panchayat meeting takes place. The

researcher was welcomed by the Sarpanch of the Village. The

meeting started with the opening remarks of the Sarpanch in the

regional local language i.e., telugu. The agenda of the meeting was

with regard to laying roads, to improve the facilities in the old school

building, and digging bores for the drinking water. As the husband of

the women Sarpanch and the Upa Sarpanch have good

understandings with mutual cooperation from the villagers the meeting

concluded without any disturbance or non-cooperation from the public

what the researcher observed along the meeting was it was the male

members including the husband of the Sarpanch who discussed the

issues and the plan of action though the real Sarpanch is women. It is

because of the traditional outlook of the villagers that though a

Sarpanch was elected because of the policy of the Government, they

respected the rule and followed the reservation policy to women in the

local bodies and at the same time out of traditional respect to women

whether she is a forward caste women or backward caste women they

gave respect to the chair. It is because of this attitude of the villagers

the women Sarpanches of the area under study generally do not feel

that they were disrespected or their powers were usurped by others.

Being the first commence into political life they are just like spectators

of the meetings. They feel inhibited to speak especially when they are

in large male dominated gatherings.15 The same is the case with some




151

of the other Gram Panchayat meetings that were attended by the

researcher. Another important feature of the meetings that come to the

notice of the researchers is that forward caste in the villages like – the

Brahmins and the Vysyas though small in number they do appreciate

the women of the weaker sections to come into power and they also do

not show keen interest in attending these meetings. If they have any

problems they do approach the Sarpanch or the male member of her

family and get the things done in a peaceful way. The Brahmin

communities are generally very small in number in these villages and

they are respected by other communities as the Brahmins are

considered as their spiritual teachers who perform certain Hindu rituals

starting from the birth of the individuals and their last ceremonies.

The Gram Sabha at The Gram Sabha at The Gram Sabha at The Gram Sabha at UttaravalliUttaravalliUttaravalliUttaravalli::::

Before going in to the details of the Gram Sabha at Uttaravalli a

brief note on the recent importance that has provided by the Andhra

Pradesh Panchayat Act of 1994 to Gram Sabha is worth to know.

According to section 6 of the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Act of 1994,

the main purpose of this section is to bring back to old glory of the

Gram Sabha in the Ancient India.16 (a) The Gram Sabha will be

organized by the village secretary on the instructions of the Sarpanch.

(b) All the people who exercise their vote in the elections automatically

become the members of Gram Sabha. (c) The Gram Sabhas must be




152

organized every year on 14th April and 3rd October. (d) All villagers

unitedly must discuss the issues concerning the village. (e) According

to G.O.No.162, dated 4.4.97 and G.O.No.367 dated 28.8.98 the

officials at the mandal level are supposed to attend the meetings. (f)

The Gram Sabhas must be organized in the premises of Gram

Panchayat Office or at a place which will be convenient to all the

people in the village; (g) The meeting of the Gram Sabha must be

informed at least two days before the conducting of the Sabha to all

the villagers either by distributing pamphlets or through the drum

beating; (h) the Gram Sabha should be organized by the Sarpanch any

time after the sunrise and before the sunset.17 The following issues

are to be discussed in the Gram Sabha. (a) A Review of the

administration of the village for the last six months; (b) Audit reports;

(c) cheques and balances; (d) Report on the administration of the

village in the previous year; (e) works done by voluntary organizations;

(f) Agriculture and production plans; (g) Revenues of the village and its

expenditure; (h) approval of the proposed budget. (i) Explaining the

welfare programmes of the people and selection of the beneficiers. (j)

Any other items with the permission of the Sarpanch. With a view to

increase peoples participation in the democratic administration the

idea of Gram Sabha is to bring transparency in administration. The

Gram Panchayat is accountable to Gram Sabha. It is the duty of each

and every individual to participate in the gram Sabha as most




153

important discussions with regard to the welfare of the people in the

village will take place. The importance suggestions raised in the gram

Sabha must reflect in the developmental programmes that are to be

taken up by the Gram Panchayats18

. As said above, the researcher

attended the Uttaravalli Gram Sabha by taking prior permission from

the concerned Sarpanch. The following table shows several aspects

relating to Gram Sabha.




From the above table it is revealed that the Gram Sabha was preside over by the Gram

Sarpanch and attended by others like Upa Sarpanch, Village Administrative offices besides the

village gathering. It is also to be noted that issues that come up for are mostly related to the

village as laid down in the Andhra Pradesh Gram Panchayat Act of 1994. Decisions taken on the

issues are mentioned in the above table. Other than the information that is given in the table

the researcher made the following observations as a result of his physical presence at the Gram

Sabha. They are (1) Though the Gram Sabha was presided over by the Sarpanch, the Sabha

was carried out with the Cooperation of the Upa Sarpanch, Village administrative officer, or

village assistant and the proxy. The involvement of the Sarpanch in the Gram Sabha is

moderate. With regard to the discussion on priorities of the village the voice of the public is very

slow and low. Even though the main objective of the Grama Sabha is to give priority to the

involvement of the villagers in the administration of their own village, which is also the main

characteristic of participatory democracy in theory, practical experience in the organization and

functioning of Gram Sabha shows the difference between theory and practice. According to the

observation of the researcher the slow and low voice of the public in the Gram Sabha is due to

the poor knowledge of the villagers in the functioning of village Panchayaties and the role of

Gram Sabhas in raising the public opinion for the over-all development of the village. The

situation is again linked upto various other factors. For example, as shown in the above table

the reasons for the poor attendance of villagers in the Gram Sabha are many. Firstly, as many

of the villagers who are daily wage earners to get their livelihood, it would be difficult for them to

attend the Gram Sabha meeting because according to the rules of the Andhra Pradesh

Panchayat Raj Act the Gram Sabha are supposed to be conducted after the sunrise and before

the sunset and this is the time when most of the daily wage earners have to go their work

places which is generally a little far away from their residential localities. The position of women

members in the villages also involved in earning money to get on their lives besides doing

domestic service and these two roles keeps them busy which is another reason for not able to




attend the meeting of Gram Sabha . Some villagers consider the Gram Sabha as unimportant

because their voice may not be given importance and therefore no interest is shown by them in

attending the Gram Sabhas. Some of them are ignorant and some of them are negligent and

lazy in attending the Gram Sabhas. A study conducted by Devi Prasad on participation of

women in Panchayat revealed that “The reasons figured in general, for low attendance in the

meetings are : lack of communication, lack of awareness about Gram Sabha, no role in the

decision making at the Gram Sabha level, preoccupation with farm work, loss of wages if he or

she attends the Gram Sabha and so on. Though caste and gender inhibitions figured as strong

factors for low participation in Panchayat meetings, they did not figure that prominently for

Gram Sabha”.19

While attendance in the Gram Sabha of Uttaravalli and a few other villages

is low, other Gram Sabhas organized in the same Therlam Constituency are also

visited by the researcher where he noticed the response of the public to some of

the issues with regard to the village though the gathering is small. Some of the

women of the village directly approached the woman Sarpanch and requested

her to take necessary steps to close the liquor shops in that village. This is an

example to show that quality of participation is more important than quantity of

participation. In some other Gram Sabha the researcher observed that the

members of the village appreciated the services of the woman Sarpanch who

was elected unanimously as Sarpanch by the villagers of Merakamudidam.

Though she belongs backward community she is articulate, confident, and

available to the villagers to solve their problems. Besides, personal observation,

informal interviews with the respondents distribution of questionnaire the




researcher requested the women representatives to evaluate themselves about

their performance and their participatory talents in order to have more

information for the analytical purpose. As ward members of the Gram

Panchayats, due to some inhibitions did not cooperate and therefore the following

table contains the participatory talents of the women representatives of ZPTC,

MPTC and Sarpanches.

Table Table Table Table 18181818 Participatory Talents of Women RepresentativesParticipatory Talents of Women RepresentativesParticipatory Talents of Women RepresentativesParticipatory Talents of Women Representatives

S.No. Name of the Women

Representative

Better

conveyance

through

speeches

Working

for the

party

silently

Serving the

people

satisfactory/

average

Influence

at the

higher

political

level

Z.P.T.C.

1. Bonu. Savithri Yes Yes Satisfactory Yes

M.P.T.C.

1. Gottapu.

Eswaramma

Yes Yes Yes Yes

2. Pudi. Tirupathamma Yes No Average No

3 Challa

Narayanamma

No Yes Yes Yes

4 Pappala.

Simhachalamamma

No Yes Average No

5 Bogi. Jayamma Yes No Yes No

6 Gandham.

Venkatarathnam

Yes Yes Yes Yes

7 Gandi. Adilaxmi Yes No Average No




8 Arnipalli

Thoudamma

No Yes Yes Yes

9 Terli. Ravanamma No Yes Average No

10 Narusupalli.

Yashoda

Yes No Yes No

11 Chiriki. Gowriswari Yes Yes Yes Yes

12 Sagi.

Saraswathamma

Yes No Average No

13 Buddaraju.

Parvathamma

No Yes Yes Yes

14 Routh.

Seetaramamma

No Yes Average No

15 Senapathi. Bharathi Yes No Yes No

16 Talachutla.

Sundaramma

Yes No Average No

17 Satyavarapu. Laxmi No Yes Yes Yes

18 Kotla. Rajyalaxmi No Yes Average No

19 Sankili Merakamma No Yes Average No

20 Sanapathi.

Chinnamma

No Yes Average No

Sarpanch

1. Vangapandu. Vimala Yes Yes Satisfactory Yes

2 Maripi. Latha No Yes Yes No

3 Nalla. Vijaya Yes No Average Yes

4. Pudi. Jayalakshmi No Yes Yes No

5 Bomminayini. Mani Yes Yes Average Yes




6 Mekala.

Narayanamma

Yes No. Yes No

7 Sankili Kottamma No Yes Average Yes

8 Chappa. Gowramma Yes No Yes No

9 Avu.

Applanarasamma

Yes Yes Average Yes

10 Kottala. Seetamma No Yes Yes No

11 Akkena.

Ravanamma

Yes No Average Yes

12 Ravipalli. Chinna No Yes Yes No

13 Bonela. Laxmi Yes Yes Average Yes

14 Senapayhi.

Pydamma

Yes No. Yes No

15 Eedu. Ammaji No Yes Average Yes

16 Cheekati. Savitri Yes No Yes No

17 Narusupalli. Parvathi Yes Yes Average Yes

18 Balaga. Narasamma No Yes Yes No

19 Guluvindala. Lalitha

Kumari

Yes No Average Yes

20 V. Simhachalam No Yes Yes No

21 Gavara. Satyavathi Yes Yes Average Yes

22 Senapathi.

Ravanamma

Yes No. Yes No

23 Buri. Venkatamma No Yes Average Yes

24 Signireddi.

Savitramma

Yes No Yes No




25 Chappa. Satyavathi Yes Yes Average Yes

26 Baviri. Laxmi No Yes Yes No

27 Karrotu. Laxmi Yes No Average Yes

28 Pappala. Asiramma No Yes Yes No

29 Nerella. Laxmi Yes Yes Average Yes

30 Sirivuru.

Bangaramma

Yes No. Yes No

31 Pinni. Ravanamma No Yes Average Yes

32 Talachutla.

Vijayarathnam

Yes No Yes No

33 Gedala. Suramma Yes Yes Average Yes

34 Nidaganti. Sarada No Yes Average Yes

35 Yedla.

Chinnammadu

Yes No Yes No

36 Kotla. Sasikala Yes Yes Average Yes

In order to assess their opinion on the reservation of 33 per cent of seats to

women in the political bodies without asking the routine question `Do you support

or oppose reservation?’ the researcher asked them in the following way. “How

much percentage of reservation you require for women?” The following table

explains their answers. The total number of 317 women representatives were

divided into seven groups for convenience.





Distribution of women leaders in their response towards 33% Percentage of Distribution of women leaders in their response towards 33% Percentage of Distribution of women leaders in their response towards 33% Percentage of Distribution of women leaders in their response towards 33% Percentage of

Reservation of seats for woReservation of seats for woReservation of seats for woReservation of seats for women in the Political Bodies men in the Political Bodies men in the Political Bodies men in the Political Bodies

Number of

groups ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Necessary 1 19 30 218 268 84.54

Should be 50% - 1 6 37 44 13.88

Not necessary - - - 5 5 1.58

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

From the above table 19, we can observe that majority 84.54% (268) of the

women leaders says that the women have 33 percent reservation of seats in the

political bodies, 13.88% of women leaders said that the women should be 50

percent and the rest of the women leaders said that the women should have no

need of reservation of seats in the political bodies.


Distribution of women leaders by their occupation before entering into politics.Distribution of women leaders by their occupation before entering into politics.Distribution of women leaders by their occupation before entering into politics.Distribution of women leaders by their occupation before entering into politics.

Occupation

before

entering into

politics

ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent




Labour - 4 6 125 135 42.59

Cultivation - 10 19 118 147 46.37

Business - 2 3 5 10 3.15

Housewife 1 4 8 12 25 7.89

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Regarding occupation of the women leaders before entering in the politics

is shown in Table 20. nearly half of the women leaders (46.37%) are cultivation,

42.59 percent of the women leaders are labourers, 7.89 percent of the women

leaders are housewives and the rest of the few women leaders are business..





Distribution of women leaders by their rational behind entering into polDistribution of women leaders by their rational behind entering into polDistribution of women leaders by their rational behind entering into polDistribution of women leaders by their rational behind entering into politics.itics.itics.itics.

Rational ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Serve the

public 1 8 16 136 161 50.79

Political

Interest - 8 15 112 135 42.59

Heredity - 4 5 12 21 6.62

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Regarding rational of the women leaders behind entering in the politics is

shown in Table 21. Majority of the women leaders (50.79%) are serve the public,

42.59 percent of the women leaders rational behind entering into politics of their

political interest and the rest of the 6.62 percent of the women leaders rational

behind entering into politics of their heredity.


Distribution of women leaders by their party.Distribution of women leaders by their party.Distribution of women leaders by their party.Distribution of women leaders by their party.

Party ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Congress 1 12 22 153 187 58.99

TDP - 8 14 107 130 41.01

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00




Table 22 observed that. the majority 58.99% of the women leaders elected

from Congress party and the rest of the 41.01 percent of the women leaders

elected from the Telugu Desam Party.


Distribution of women leaders by their expenditure in their contesting of electiDistribution of women leaders by their expenditure in their contesting of electiDistribution of women leaders by their expenditure in their contesting of electiDistribution of women leaders by their expenditure in their contesting of elections ons ons ons

2006 .2006 .2006 .2006 .

Expenditure

(in Rs.) ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Below 25,000 - - 3 187 190 59.94

25,001 to 50,000 - 8 17 73 98 30.91

Above 50,000 1 12 16 - 29 9.15

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Regarding contesting of the women leaders expenditure in the elections of

2006 is shown in the table 23. Majority 59.94% of the women leaders expended

below Rs. 25 000, 30.91 percent of the women leaders expended Rs. 25001 to

50000 and very few women leaders expended above Rs. 50000 in their elected

from Congress party and the rest of the 41.01 percent of the women leaders

elected from the Telugu Desam Party.


Distribution of women leaders opinion towards their participation in mandal / Distribution of women leaders opinion towards their participation in mandal / Distribution of women leaders opinion towards their participation in mandal / Distribution of women leaders opinion towards their participation in mandal /

district politics.district politics.district politics.district politics.




Favourble for

women leaders ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Yes 1 20 34 182 237 74.76

No - - 2 78 80 25.24

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Regarding participation women in mandal / district politics in the elections

of 2006 is shown in the table 24. Majority 74.76% of the women leaders are

favourble opinion towards their participation in mandal / district politics and the

rest of the women leaders have no favourble opinion towards their participation in

mandal / district politics.


Distribution of women leaders in their opinion towardDistribution of women leaders in their opinion towardDistribution of women leaders in their opinion towardDistribution of women leaders in their opinion towards their leadership s their leadership s their leadership s their leadership

Leadership of

women ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Necessary 1 20 36 227 284 89.59

Not Necessary - - - 33 33 10.41

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00




When asked the women leaders about their leadership are shown in Table

25 Majority (89.59%) of the women leaders are positive response towards their

leadership and the rest of the 10.41 percent of the women leaders are negative

response towards their leadership in the politics.


Distribution of women leaders response towards Distribution of women leaders response towards Distribution of women leaders response towards Distribution of women leaders response towards Direct and Indirect Elections in Direct and Indirect Elections in Direct and Indirect Elections in Direct and Indirect Elections in

Pnachayat Raj ElectionsPnachayat Raj ElectionsPnachayat Raj ElectionsPnachayat Raj Elections

Elections ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Need of hour 1 20 35 213 269 84.86

Not necessary - - 1 47 48 15.14

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Regarding response of the women leaders towards direct and indirect

elections in Panchayat Raj Elections is shown in the table 26. Majority 84.86% of

the women leaders are said need of hour towards direct and indirections in

Panchayat Raj Elections and the rest of the 15.14 percent of the women leaders

said not necessary direct and indirect elections in Panchayat Raj elections.


Distribution of women leaders response towards discharge of functionsDistribution of women leaders response towards discharge of functionsDistribution of women leaders response towards discharge of functionsDistribution of women leaders response towards discharge of functions




Functions ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Listening to

public problems - 8 13 83 104 32.81

Service to public 1 12 23 177 213 67.19

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Regarding discharge of functions of women leaders is shown in the table

27. Majority 67.19% of the women leaders said that they serve the public and

the rest of the 32.81 percent of the women are listening the public problems.


Distribution of women leaders by their expectation of support from their family Distribution of women leaders by their expectation of support from their family Distribution of women leaders by their expectation of support from their family Distribution of women leaders by their expectation of support from their family

members in discharging of duties ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanchmembers in discharging of duties ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanchmembers in discharging of duties ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanchmembers in discharging of duties ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch

Expecting

support ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Yes 1 15 27 205 248 78.23

No - 5 9 55 69 21.77

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Regarding the expectation of support from their family members in

discharging of duties ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch is shown in the table 28. Majority

78.23% of the women leaders are expected support from their family members in

discharging of duties ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch and the rest of the 21.77 percent of




the women leaders are not expected support from their family members in

discharging of duties ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch.


Distribution of women lDistribution of women lDistribution of women lDistribution of women leaders response towards the cooperation of male officials eaders response towards the cooperation of male officials eaders response towards the cooperation of male officials eaders response towards the cooperation of male officials

when implementing the Government Programmeswhen implementing the Government Programmeswhen implementing the Government Programmeswhen implementing the Government Programmes

Cooperation ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Yes 1 13 27 173 214 67.51

No - 7 9 87 103 32.49

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Regarding the cooperation of male officials when implementing the

Government Programmes is shown in the table 29. Majority 67.51% of the

women leaders are get cooperation from the male officials when implementing

the Government Programmes and the rest of the 32.49 percent of women leaders

are get non-cooperation from the male officials when implementing the

Government Programmes.





Distribution of women leaders in their response towards getDistribution of women leaders in their response towards getDistribution of women leaders in their response towards getDistribution of women leaders in their response towards gettingtingtingting sufficient funds sufficient funds sufficient funds sufficient funds

on time from the higher administrative authorities on time from the higher administrative authorities on time from the higher administrative authorities on time from the higher administrative authorities

Opinion towards

getting the

sufficient funds


Yes 1 17 28 156 202 63.72

No - 3 8 104 115 36.28

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Regarding sufficient funds getting from the Higher Administrative

Authorities on time to the public is shown in the table 30. Majority 63.72% of the

women leaders said they get sufficient funds from the Higher Administrative

Authorities on time and the rest of the 36.28 percent of the women leaders said

they did not get sufficient funds on time from the Higher Administrative

Authorities.




TTTTable able able able 31313131

Distribution of women leaders in their Distribution of women leaders in their Distribution of women leaders in their Distribution of women leaders in their expectation of support from local area expectation of support from local area expectation of support from local area expectation of support from local area

leaders in their duties/ functions.leaders in their duties/ functions.leaders in their duties/ functions.leaders in their duties/ functions.

Expectation of

Support from

local area

leaders


Yes 1 16 27 218 262 82.65

No - 4 9 42 55 17.35

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

As seen from the above table 31, regarding expectation of support from

local area leaders, majority 82.65% of the women leaders excepted support of

the local area leaders in their duties / functions and the rest of the 17.35 percent

of the women leaders are not expected support from the local area leaders in

their duties / functions.


Distribution of women leaders Distribution of women leaders Distribution of women leaders Distribution of women leaders by their attendance in the training programmes of by their attendance in the training programmes of by their attendance in the training programmes of by their attendance in the training programmes of

PRI mePRI mePRI mePRI meetings organized by Government Authorities etings organized by Government Authorities etings organized by Government Authorities etings organized by Government Authorities

Response ZPTC MPTC Sarpanch WM Total Percent

Attended 1 20 32 212 265 83.60

Not attended - - 4 48 52 16.40

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00




Table 32 revealed that , majority 83.60% of the women leaders attended in

the training programmes of PRI meetings organiseed by Government Authorities

and the remaining 16.40 percent of the women leaders are not attended in the

training programmes of PRI meetings organized by the Government Authorities.


DistrDistrDistrDistribution of women leaders ibution of women leaders ibution of women leaders ibution of women leaders by their response towards the training improve the by their response towards the training improve the by their response towards the training improve the by their response towards the training improve the

efficiency efficiency efficiency efficiency


Improved 1 17 29 203 250 78.86

Not Improved - 3 7 57 67 21.14

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Table 33 observed that, majority 78.86% of the women leaders are

improved their efficiency after getting the training and the rest of the 21.14

percent of women leaders are not improved in their efficiency after getting the

training.


Distribution of women leaders Distribution of women leaders Distribution of women leaders Distribution of women leaders by theby theby theby their response towards reaching of welfare ir response towards reaching of welfare ir response towards reaching of welfare ir response towards reaching of welfare

schemes schemes schemes schemes





Yes 1 20 30 145 196 61.83

No - - 6 115 121 38.17

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Regarding reaching of welfare schemes to the public is shown in the table

34. Majority 61.83% of the women representatives said that they get welfare

schemes properly and the rest of the 38.17 percent of the women

representatives said they did not get some welfare schemes properly.


Distribution of women leaders Distribution of women leaders Distribution of women leaders Distribution of women leaders by by by by their response towards the role of their response towards the role of their response towards the role of their response towards the role of

ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward MemberZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward MemberZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward MemberZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward Member


Good 1 14 23 124 162 51.10

Average - 4 10 111 125 39.43

Poor - 2 3 25 30 9.47

Total 1 20 36 260 317 100.00

Table 35 depicts that, half of the 51.10% of the women representatives in

their opinion towards the role of the ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward Members is

good, 39.43 percent of the women representatives in their opinion towards the




role of the ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward Members is Average and the rest of the

9.47 percent of women representatives in their opinion towards the role of the

ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward Members is poor.

Besides expressing the performance of the elected women representatives

in the statistical method, it is also of great relevant and useful to express the

performance of elected women representatives in the exact words of the

respondents.

The senior citizens, though differ in their expression in measuring the

performance of the women leaders in the local political bodies they are

appreciating their performance on the whole. Few of them are unsatisfactory

about their performance. At the same time they expressed that political power is

not a bed of roses always and one has to face lot of stress, pressure and strain.

Women, in particular rural women are being burdened with household works

while struggling their lines to earn money for the lively-hood, and therefore they

felt that women are not to be over burdened in the political field. So they said that

it would be safe for women to lead a tension and strain free life and man should

lesson women’s burden by taking up risk fields like political career to serve the

village public.

In order to identify the important factors that are responsible for the political

empowerment of women at grass root level the study of the existing political

situations of women representatives is essential. Therefore the case studies of




the women representatives of the area under study has also been taken up. This

also helps to understand the exercise of their functions in their process of political

empowerment.




Case Study 1:Case Study 1:Case Study 1:Case Study 1:

BONU SAVITRI of Nemalam Village of Terlam Mandal is the member of

“Zilla Parishad Territorial constituency”. She is a graduate. She is one of the

youngest member in Zilla Parishad. She is of Hindu religion and belongs to the

weaker section of the community. Her source of income is through cultivation.

She entered in to active politics in 22nd July, 2006. She is a house wife when

asked about the rationale behind her entering of politics, she answered that her

motive is to serve the people. Savitri is of congress party. She spent nearly 80

thousand rupees for her election as member of Zilla Parishad. Even though her

husband (Aappala Naidu) is an active participant in politics and power point in

Terlam mandal, she replied no when asked whether any of her family members

are active participant in politics. Savitri opined that there are favourable

conditions for participation of women in Politics in Terlam mandal and stated that

there is a greater need of empowering women in the local decision making

bodies.

Though, Government had been granting some funds per year to each

member of ZPTC, some of the women representatives did not like to give the this

details of money. She done some works in some villages like Terlam and

Uttaravalli, in that villages she constructed the community halls and roads also

were laid in some villages. She undertook some developmental activities like

C.M.E.M, P.M.R.Y., for some unemployed youth in Terlam Mandal. She is the

coordinator of developmental activities undertaken in their constituency.





Challa Narayanamma represents Badangi village and Badangi mandal as

a member of “Mandala Parishad Territorial constituency”. Although she studied

only 6th Class, she was able to cope up with the problems of the mandal.

Narayanamma is of 55 years age. She belongs to Hindu religion and to Koppala

Velama community. She raises her income from cultivation. She owns four

acres of cultivable land. In 22nd July, 2006 she entered into active politics. She is

a housewife before and after entering into political field.. Narayanamma revealed

that serving the people is the motto and rationale behind entering the politics.

She belongs to Telugu Desam party. Her election expenditure during this

election exceeded 80 thousand rupees. She had some experience in politics

even though none of her family members are active participants in politics. She

said that the conditions are favourable for women to empower themselves

through their partipation in the local political bodies.

She has been encouraging the DWCRA groups, by being active in granting

the revolving funds by Government through the banks. She is the coordinator of

the developmental activities undertaken in her constituency. She herself also

leads a DWCRA group in her village.


Bogi Jayamma represents Koduru village of Badangi mandal as a member

of “Mandal Parishad territorial constituency”. She studied 7th class only. She is of




38 years old. She Hindu religion and SC community. She raises her income

through Agriculture Labour. She entered into active politics in 22nd July, 2006.

She belongs to TDP party. Her election expenditure during this election 50

thousand rupees. She gained access into active politics even though none of her

family members are active participants in politics. She opined that the conditions

in the Badangi mandal are favourable to women to participate in politics.

She is encouraging the DWCRA groups by making efforts to get the

revolving funds by Government through the Banks. She herself also leads a

DWCRA group in her village. And she will coordinate the developmental

activities in her constituency.




Case Study 4Case Study 4Case Study 4Case Study 4

Gottapu Eswaramma wife of Simhachalam Rejeru Village of Badangi

mandal is the member of “Mandal Parishad Territorial constituency”. She studied

secondary education. Eswaramma is 35 years age. She belongs to Hindu

religion and to `Koppala Velama’ community. She raises her livelihood through

cultivation. She entered active politics, in 22nd July, 2006. She is a house wife,

before and after entering into the politics. She belongs to congress party. Her

election expenditure during this election exceeded 70 thousand rupees. She had

access to some of the women leaders of the party at the district level by

maintaining friendly relationship. She said that the conditions are favourable for

political empowerment of women in Badangi mandal.

She was encouraging the DWCRA groups, by being active in granting the

revolving funds by Government, through the Banks. She is the coordinator for

the developmental activities undertaken in her constituency and instrumental in

the membership drive of the DWCRA groups.




Case Study 5. Case Study 5. Case Study 5. Case Study 5.

Gandham Venkata Ratnam of Sundarada village , Therlam Mandal is the

member of “Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency”. She studied Secondary

Education. She is Hindu by religion and belongs to other community. She is 43

years old. Her source of income is business. She entered politics in 22nd July,

2006. When she was asked about the rationale behind her entering politics, she

said that she is interested in politics. Venkata Ratnam is of congress. She spent

75 thousand rupees for her election as member of mandal Parishad in elections.

Even though her husband is an active participant in politics and power point of

Therlam Mandal, she replied no when asked whether any of her family member

are active participants in politics, which is a common answer from some of the

women representatives. She opined that there are favourable conditions for

participation of women in politics in Therlam mandal.



DWCRA group in her village. She also coordinates the developmental activities

undertaken in her constituency.





Gandi Adilakshmi represents Nemalam village of Therlam mandal as a

member of “Mandala Parishad Territorial Constituency”. She studied upto

Intermediate. She is of 36 years old. She belongs to Hindu religion and SC

community. She raises her income through cultivation. She owns 6 acres of

cultivable land. She entered into active politics in 22nd July, 2006. She has been

housewife, now and before entering the politics. Adilakshmi revealed that

serving the people is the motto and rationale behind entering the politics. She

belongs to Congress party. Her election expenditure during this election

exceeded 55 thousand rupees. She had access into active politics even though

none of her family members are active participants in politics. She said the

conditions are favourable for women to political empowerment.

She will coordinate the developmental activities in her constituency. She

encourages the DWCRA groups.





Narsupalli Yasoda of Therlam village and Mandal, is the member of

“Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency”. She studied 10th class only. She is

Hindu by religion and belongs to ‘Koppala Velama’ community. She is 39 years

old. Her source of income is cultivation. She has 4 acres land. She entered

politics in 22nd July, 2006. When she was asked about the rationale behind her

entering politics, she said that she is interested in politics. Yasoda is of TDP.

She spent 70 thousand rupees for her election as member of mandal Parishad in

elections. Even though her husband is an active participant in politics and power

point of Therlam Mandal, she replied no when asked whether any of her family

member are active participants in politics, which is a common answer from some

of the women representatives. She opined that there are favourable conditions

for participation of women in politics in Therlam mandal.









Sagi Saraswathamma represents Soamalingapuram village of

Merakamudidam mandal as a member of “Mandala Parishad Territorial

Constituency and Mandal Vice-President”. She was illiterate. She is of 48 years

old. She belongs to Hindu religion and other community. She raises her income

through business. She entered into active politics in 22nd July, 2006. She has

been housewife, now and before entering the politics. Saraswathamma revealed

that serving the people is the motto and rationale behind entering the politics.

She belongs to Congress party. Her election expenditure during this election

exceeded 60 thousand rupees. She had access into active politics even though

none of her family members are active participants in politics. She said the

conditions are favourable for women to political empowerment.







Budharaju Parvathamma of Uttaravalli village , Merakamudidam Mandal is

the member of “Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency”. She studied

Secondary Education. She is Hindu by religion and belongs to BC community.

She is 52 years old. Her source of income is cultivation. She entered politics in

22nd July, 2006. When she was asked about the rationale behind her entering

politics, she said that she is interested in politics. Parvathamma is of congress.

She spent nearly 80 thousand rupees for her election as member of mandal

Parishad in elections. Even though her husband is an active participant in politics

and power point of Merakamudidam Mandal, she replied no when asked whether

any of her family member are active participants in politics, which is a common

answer from some of the women representatives. She opined that there are

favourable conditions for participation of women in politics in Merakamudiam

mandal.









Kotla Rajya Lakshmi of Chinabantupalli village , Merakamudidam Mandal

is the member of “Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency”. She studied

Intermediate. She is Hindu by religion and belongs to Koppla Velama

community. She is 34 years old. Her source of income is cultivation. She

entered politics in 22nd July, 2006. When she was asked about the rationale

behind her entering politics, she said that she is interested in politics. Rajya

Lakshmi is of TDP. She spent 90 thousand rupees for her election as member of

mandal Parishad in elections. Even though her husband Mothilal Niadu is an

active participant in politics and power point of Merakamudiam Mandal and also

he is present ZDPTC and EX. MPP, she replied no when asked whether any of

her family member are active participants in politics, which is a common answer

from some of the women representatives. She opined that there are favourable

conditions for participation of women in politics in Merakamudidam mandal.









Sankili Merakamma represents Merakamudidam village and mandal as a

member of “Mandala Parishad Territorial Constituency”. She studied up to 5th

class. She is of 43 years. She belongs to Hindu religion and SC community.

She raises her income through cultivation. She entered into active politics in

22nd July, 2006. She has been housewife, now and before entering the politics.

Merakamma revealed that serving the people is the motto and rationale behind

entering the politics. She belongs to TDP. Her election expenditure during this

election exceeded 50 thousand rupees. She had access into active politics even

though none of her family members are active participants in politics. She said

the conditions are favourable for women to political empowerment.






Case Study 12.Case Study 12.Case Study 12.Case Study 12.

Vangapandu Vimala is Sarpanch of Palteru village of Badangi Mandal.

She was studied 10th class. She entered into politics in 2006. She is 36 years

old. She is a Hindu by religion and belongs to Koppalavelama community. She

has one son and one daughter. She and her family earn their livelihood through

cultivation. She owns eight acres of cultivatable land. When she was asked

about the reason for entering politics, she said that as her husband Jogi Naidu

was present MPTC and ex-president, so she was sure of winning the election.

She is an active member of Congress. Her election expenditure exceeded nearly

85 thousand rupees. When asked, whether the situations in the mandal are

favourable for women to be continued developing to women empowerment in

politics.

She done some works under her leadership, those works are : Cement

Concrete roads, drainages, cleaning, drinking water pumps, repairing the

electricity facilities and individual lavatories. This Panchayati includes two

villages that is Pedapalteru and Harijana palteru.




Case Study 13Case Study 13Case Study 13Case Study 13

Sankili Kottamma is Sarpannch of Mugada village of Badangi mandal .

She was illiterate and entered into politics in very old age of 60 years. She is a

Hindu by religion and Scheduled Caste Women. She and her family earn their

livelihood through cultivate labour. She entered politics in August, 2006. When

asked of the reason for entering politics, she replied to serve the people. She is

an active member of TDP. Her election expenditure exceeded nearly 40

thousand rupees. Her accession to politics happened without any of her family

members being active members in politics. When asked whether the situation in

the mandal are favourable for women to participate in politics.

In her village, she has done some important works like, laying cement

concrete roads, repairing all the street lights and also dug drainages. She

encouraged DWCRA groups in her village. These works are done by Kottamma

under her leadership.





Chappa Gowaramma belongs to Bheemavaram village of Badangi mandal.

She had been the elected Sarpanch of Village of Bheemavaram. Even though,

she studied only third class. She succeeded in politics. She is of 52 years age.

She is a Hindu religion and belongs to Koppalavelama community. The source of

income for her family is cultivation. She owns six acres of cultivable land. She

has been in politics since August, 2006. When asked to give her Motto behind

her entrance into politics she replied to serve the people. She belongs to TDP.

She expended nearly 50 thousand rupees in elections. Her husband Tirupathi

Naidu is an active participant in TDP. When asked whether the conditions are

favourable for women to enter active politics she opined yes.

Due her some works were done in her village, like digging drinking water

wells, dug drainages, individual lavatories and repairing street lights under her

leadership. She encouraged DWCRA groups. She is also one member of

DWCRA in her village.





Bomminayani Mani belongs to Rejeru village of Badangi mandal. She has

been elected Sarpanch of village of Rejeru. She is of 38 years old. Even though

she studied secondary educaiton. She succeed in politics. She is a Hindu by

religion and belongs to Koppalavelama community. The source of income for her

family is through cultivation. She owns nearly 5 acres of cultivable land. She

has been in politics since August, 2006. When I asked of her motto behind her

entrance into politics. She replied to for developing women reservation in active

politics. She belongs to Congress. She expended nearly 55 thousand rupees in

this election. When asked whether the conditions are favourable for women to

enter into active politics. She opined that importance to women reservation seats

in active politics is being in Badangi Mandal.

Many works in her village, Rejeru are being executed during her

presidency. She was cause to lay CC Roads, drainages, individual lavatories,

repairing street lights and also supported DWCRA groups and also supported

village development activities. She got the best award through mandal

developmental officer in Badangi Mandal for her leadership and dynamism in

doing these works. She was underguidance of present M.L.A. – Tentu Jaya

Prakash.





Mekala Narayanamma is Sarpanch of P Venkampeta village of Badangi

mandal. She was illiterate and entered into politics at her age of 55 years. She is

Hindu by religion and belongs to Scheduled Tribe community. Her family earn

their livelihood through cultivating Labour. She entered politics in August, 2006.

When asked of the reason for entering politics, she replied that to serve the

people. She is an active member of Congress party. Her election expenditure

exceeded above 30 thousand rupees when asked whether the situation in the

mandal are favorable for women in political empowerment.

In her village, cement concrete roads in the streets, individual lavatories,

drinking water facilities, drainages cleaning and repair the street lights were done

under her Presidency. She is encouraging the DWCRA groups by securing

revolving funds by the Government through the Banks.




Case Study 17 Case Study 17 Case Study 17 Case Study 17

Bonela Lakshmi belongs to Nemalam village of Therlam mandal. She has

been the elected Sarpanch of Nemalam village. Even though she studied 10th

class, she succeed in politics. She is of 36 years age. She is a Hindu by religion

and belongs to Scheduled Caste community. The source of income for her family

is cultivation. She owns 2 acres of agricultural cultivable land. She has been in

politics since August, 2006. When asked of her motto behind her entrance into

politics she replied that to serve the people. She belongs to Congress party .

She expended nearly 35 thousand rupees in that elections Her husband

Simhachalam is an active participant in politics of his village. When asked

whether the conditions are favourable for women to enter empowerment of

politics she opined – yes.

In her village Nemalam, she has done some works under her leadership,

they are cement concrete roads, individual lavatories, drainages cleaning,

digging drinking water pumps, repairing the street lights and some development

activities in her village. She is encouraging the DWCRA groups by securing the

revolving funds by Government through the banks.




Case Study 18 Case Study 18 Case Study 18 Case Study 18

Senapthi Ramanamma is Sarpanch of Rangappavalasa village of Therlam

Mandal. She is of 56 years age. She is belongs to TDP. She is Hindu by

religion and belongs to backward class. Her family earn their livelihood through

cultivation. She owns 2 acres of cultivable land. She entered in to politics in

August, 2006. when Asked of the reason for entering politics she replied to utilize

women reservation. She is one of the unanimously elected Sarpanch in

Rangappavalasa village in Therlam mandal. Her accession to politics happened

without any of her family members being in political empowerment.

In her village she has done some works that is extending water facilities,

electricity facility and drainages cleaning, these works are done under her

leadership. She was encouraged DWCRA groups.




CCCCase Study 19: ase Study 19: ase Study 19: ase Study 19:

Eedu Ammaji belongs to Arasa Balaga village of Therlam mandal. She

studied upto 7th class and entered into politics at the age of 42 years. She is a

Hindu by religion and belongs to Other community. She entered into politics in

August, 2006. She is house wife. She and her family earn their livelihood

through cultivation. She owns 5 acres agricultural cultivable land. When asked

of the reason for entering politics, she replied that to serve the people. She is an

active member of Congress Party. Her accession to politics happened without

any of her family members in politics. When asked whether the situation in to the

mandal are favourable for political empowerment of women, she replied yes.

She done some works under her leadership in her village. These works are

Cement concrete roads, individual lavatories, drainages cleaning, digging

drinking water pumps, electricity facilities and some developmental activities in

her village. She is encouraging the DWCRA groups to secure the revolving funds

by Government through the Banks. She undertook some developmental

activities like CMEY and PMRY for some unemployed youth in her village.




Case Study 20: Case Study 20: Case Study 20: Case Study 20:

Cheekati Savitri belongs to Cheekatipeta village of Therlam mandal she

has been the elected the Sarpanch of Cheekatipeta village in Therlam mandal.

Even though she studied upto 10th class she succeeded in politics. She is of 49

years age. She has been politics since August, 2006. She is a Hindu by religion

and belongs to Backward community (Koppula velama). The source of Income

for her family is cultivation. She owns 4 acres of land. She belongs to Congress

party. She expended nearly 55 thousand rupees in elections. When asked to

give her motto behind her entrance into politics. She replied that to serve the

people. None of her family members are in political field.

In her village, some works are done under her leadership they are cement

concrete roads, drinking water facilities, individual lavatories, drainage cleaning

and repairs to street lights. She encourages to DWCRA groups in her village.

She undertook some developmental activities like CMEY and PMRY for some

unemployed youth in her village.





Gedala Suramma is Sarpanch of Puligummi village of Merakamudidam

Mandal. She was illiterate. She is of 53 years age. She is belongs to TDP. She

is Hindu by religion and belongs to Kapu community. Her family earn their

livelihood through cultivation. She owns 3 acres of cultivable land. She entered

in to politics in 2006. when Asked of the reason for entering politics she replied

to utilize women reservation. She expended nearly 40 thousand rupees in

elections.Her accession to politics happened without any of her family members

being in political empowerment.

In her village she has done some works that is extending water facilities,

electricity facility and drainages cleaning, these works are done under her

leadership. She was encouraged DWCRA groups.





Baviri Lakshmi belongs to Bheemavaram village of Merakamudidam

mandal. She studied upto 10th class and entered into politics at the age of 33

years. She is a Hindu by religion and belongs to Other community. She entered

into politics in August, 2006. She is house wife. She and her family earn their

livelihood through Business. When asked of the reason for entering politics, she

replied that to serve the people. She is an active member of Congress Party.

Her accession to politics happened without any of her family members in politics.

When asked whether the situation in to the mandal are favourable for political

empowerment of women, she replied yes.

She done some works under her leadership in her village. These works are

Cement concrete roads, individual lavatories, drainages cleaning, digging

drinking water pumps, electricity facilities and some developmental activities in

her village. She is encouraging the DWCRA groups to secure the revolving funds

by Government through the Banks. She undertook some developmental

activities like CMEY and PMRY for some unemployed youth in her village.





Nidaganti Sarada is Sarpanch of Ramayyavalasa village of

Merakamudidam mandal. She studied Secondary Education and entered into

politics at her age of 35 years. She is Hindu by religion and belongs to

Scheduled Caste. Her family earn their livelihood through cultivating Labour. She

entered politics in August, 2006. When asked of the reason for entering politics,

she replied that to serve the people. She is an active member of TDP. Her

election expenditure exceeded above 30 thousand rupees when asked whether

the situation in the mandal are favourable for women in political empowerment.

In her village, cement concrete roads in the streets, individual lavatories,

drinking water facilities, drainages cleaning and repair the street lights were done

under her Presidency. She is encouraging the DWCRA groups by securing

revolving funds by the Government through the Banks.




CHAPTER - VI CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

The aim of the present study is to make an empirical analysis of the

process of political empowerment of women in Panchayat Raj Institutions of

Therlam Constituency of Vizianagaram District. As mentioned earlier the study is

confined to the women of the reserved category who have entered into the

process of political empowerment. Special attention is given to study the

background of the women representatives in various aspects and the factors that

influence their journey towards political empowerment. The study revealed that

there developed a general trend among the women to improve their economic

conditions, leading a life of more meaningful and useful to the community and

society of exercising their rights that are guaranteed by the constitution of our

country. Several schemes like DWCRA, TRYSM, DRDA and others that are

implemented by the Government helped the women for a collective action

towards better standards of living.

As a first step in the process of political empowerment, women were able

to exercise their duties as heads of local political bodies. Some of the successful

women representatives brought tremendous changes in their villages. In other

words, the village Panchayats under the leadership of women were reconstructed

through various developmental activities. Good roads were laid, bores were dug,

schools have been started and temples have been renovated. As a result of the




preventive measures adopted by the heads of the Panchayats the villages were

able to minimize some of the communicable diseases. The honest nature of

women Sarpanches minimized corruption and litigation. Aiming at the all round

development of the Villages Community Development Programmes and National

Extension Service Schemes have been widely propagated and implemented.

The study also shows that women of the Therlam Constituency in their

process of political empowerment are undergoing a transformation between

tradition and modernity. Though they come forward to change their attitudes

towards various customary practices that obstruct their development, they are not

completely discarding some of their age old customs and traditions. As far as

religion is concerned they did not discard their faith in religion. The women offers

prayers to gods and goddesses for the welfare of the entire village community.

They observe auspicious time to launch any new schemes or laying foundations

to any Panchayat building or any community hall, school, bore well and other

important works that help the community of the village as a whole, old customs

that differentiate one case from other are slowing fading away. Inter-dining inter-

drinking free entry inside the temple have been spreading.

As a result of the political orientation, through political parties, non-

governmental organizations and media, the process of political empowerment

among the women of Therlam Constituency has been broadening the scope of

women leadership at the gross root level. Findings of this study also reveal that




some of the women Sarpanches and ward members were able to bring a

remarkable change in the functioning of the village Panchayats. They are able to

utilize their level best the opportunity come to them as a result of the

constitutional amendments of 73rd and 74th. The male group of these villages

have been compelled to change their attitudes towards the hidden abilities of the

women and willing to accept the changes in the village set up and coming

forward to cooperate with the women Sarpanches.

The study also reveals that the leadership in the villages have been

gradually shifting from the hands of upper caste to lower castes, order generation

to younger generation, from higher income group to lower and middle income

groups which is a sign of decentralization of leadership. Also the statutory

provisions for reservation of seats of women of backward caste, scheduled

castes, and scheduled tribes have provided special opportunities to become

formal leaders at the gross root level.

The study also reveals that although the women of Therlam Constituency exbit

enthusiasm in the process of political empowerment their standard of education, level of

participation, awareness about the Panchayat functions, organizational set up are certainly

average and sometimes below average. Decision-making is one of the most important aspects

of political participation. The Panchayat set is based on democratic procedure and therefore the

decision making process is also based on democratic process at the Panchayat level also. Yet

due to lack of education, lack of insight into the local problems, shyness being women result in

the low degree of women’s participation at the local political bodies. Therefore, the hypothesis




that higher the level of education and awareness of the problems the greater the level of

participation comes true in the case of women representatives of the area under study.

One of the findings of the study is that village secretaries though a few try

to dominate the women Sarpanch which again an obstacle to women

representatives in exercising their assigned duties. It is also observed that the

Indira kranthi Programmes that were introduced by the then Congress party in

Andhra Pradesh were mostly involved by the Officers, MPS and MLAs. No doubt

their involvement was essential in obtaining funds from the Government and for

various other technical reasons they bypassed the women Sarpanches which

made the women Sarpanches to loose confidence among themselves,. In the

case of successful women Sarpanches the 73rd constitutional amendment had an

empowering impact. Some of the women Sarpanches were often faced

constraints of Physical mobility, as they had to visit Panchayat Samithi Offices at

blockhead quarters. In some cases men and Government officials point out that

as majority of the elected women representatives are illiterate and therefore the

involvement of men and government officials becomes necessary for the smooth

functioning of the Panchayat institutions. However, the women who were elected

occupied constitutionally mandated public offices and while performing their roles

they face several odds against them. Here comes the role of G.O.S and NGOS

to address the constraints faced by the elected women representatives.

With the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution of India, many

village women and backward classes people got opportunities to participate in




the process of political empowerment of women. Before the advent of this

reservation policy, some women participated in politics and got involved in the

decision making process, but backward classes women participating in politics

and gaining momentum was impossible. Many scholars, laymen experts,

politicians and academicians doubted the capability of the women

representatives elected to the decision making bodies through the reservation

policy including elected to the local self government institutions. But many of the

women elected though faced many hurdles worked very well and were honoured

by the international civil organizations, and were a good inspiration for the newly

elected women representatives. Although Therlam Constituency is a remote

area, many women representatives, gave good administration and were

rewarded for their performance. Vangapandu Vimala who is the Sarpanch of

Paltheru village served her village efficiently and under took developmental

activities in the village. She was awarded in one of the meetings in the 2008.

The developmental works of Therlam Constituency became successful

because of the close relations that the women politicians having with their party

leaders which helped them in solving their problems. It was observed by the

researcher in one of the `Grama Sabha’ that most of the problems discussed

were relating to building of roads, street lights and digging of borings for drinking

water. When these issues were taken up the husband of the lady Sarpanch

stood behind her as he was having good and harmonious relations with the

Villagers and his relations with the local Congress M.L.A. Mr. Sujay Krishna




Ranga Rao helped to reduce the differences of opinions among the villagers and

therefore the `Grama Sabha’ was conducted in a peaceful manner. It was also

found that some of the women who approached directly the Sarpanch and

discussed their problems with regard to provide toilet facilities for ladies in the

villages. One of the advantages of women Sarpanch to a village is perhaps the

women of the village can approach her directly.

In many villages of India we still find the tradition of giving most respect to

the women by men. Therlam Constituency is not an exception to this. Apart from

the regular meetings the members of the village would approach the Sarpanch

either at the village Panchayat office or at her residence to discuss their problems

either with the women Sarpanch /her husband/or any of the male members of her

family in an informal manner. When the researcher asked the villagers about this

issue they explained that discussing the issues with the male members of her

family actually helped her to understand the political issues better. As they are

more familiar with the political issues. The male members of her family actually

helps her get better acquainted and improve her knowledge about politics which

enhance her in developing political skills that helps her to emerge as a successful

women politician in the future and this leads to efficient administration. This is in

no way leads to dishonour the women Sarpanch in the opinion of the villagers.

Although the women politicians are of backward classes, scheduled castes

and scheduled tribe, without surpassing the tradition and customs they are

performing their roles in the decision making process. For example, as




agriculture is the main occupation of the people of this area, the Sarpanches and

ward members also go to fields and actively involved in agricultural works. As

mentioned earlier, women representatives belonging to Backward caste,

Scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribe of the Therlam Constituency area are

selected for the present study. The study revealed that although they belong to

backward communities, the women of the area without communities, the women

of the area without surpassing the traditional customs their traditional life styles,

their occupations and their simple styles of living they are able to enter into the

process of political empowerment. As an example to this finding, it is noticed by

the researcher that the women Sarpanches and ward members go to fields along

with their male members and work hard in the fields to earn their livelihood, This

clearly shows that while entering to the local political bodies as representatives

they did not give up their traditional works to earn their livelihood.

The women representatives of Therlam Constituency selected for the

present study are of backward caste, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe. As

agriculture is the main occupation of the people of this area, women along with

men work hard in the fields to earn their livelihood. Depending on the economic

status of the family women do participate in the agricultural fields. As mentioned

earlier the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments gave an opportunity even to

the rural poor women to have their share of participation in the local

administrative bodies. As a result of this facility some of the women of Therlam

Constituency who are working as daily wage agricultural labourers have also




been elected as ward members of Gram Panchayats. Some of them are also

serving as Gram Sarpanches. Though the women under the present study

belong to backward area without giving up their tradition bound customs without

giving up their daily wage agricultural jobs and without changing their simple life

styles they are able to perform their functions in the Panchayat Raj institutions.

Thus a combinations of tradition and modernity in the process of political

empowerment of women in the Therlam Constituency is a novel feature.

Among the ward members, some of them have only primary school

education and some of them are literate At the mandal level also a few women

studied upto intermediate and at the Zilla Parishad level one women is a

graduate. The unequal level of educational standards among the women

members is due to various reasons. Many other research studies on the

educational standards of women in the rural area reveal that economic

background of the family, local environment, good opportunities one some of the

factors that generally influence the level of educational standards of rural women.

As the above opportunities are more in the urban areas the level of literacy

among urban women will be more when compared to the rural women. The same

is the case with the Therlam Constituency women. The educational

qualifications of the women at the mandal and Zilla Parishad level are more

when compared to the women in the interior villages of Therlam Constituency.

But then some of the illiterate women exhibited more confidence about their

capabilities to serve the local political bodies as a first step in the process of




political empowerment of women. Though they are not highly educated and are

not familiar with the working of the local political bodies with the help of their male

family members they are trying to get into the process of political empowerment.

Some of the studies conducted by the voluntary organizations on the

performance of the elected women representatives found out that they were

dominated by the male members of their family. When the researcher reminded

of the some issues to the women representatives of the area under study 50 per

cent of them openly disagreed to call it as male domination. They preferred to

call it as `male support’. 25 per cent of them felt that it depends on the mutual

understandings, affectionate relationship and work culture among the family

members. Some of the families do not allow their women for the sake of family

prestige to come out of their houses to participate in the process of political

empowerment . Under such circumstances, women face opposition from the

male members of their families. 12 per cent of the women were unable to

express definite views on `male domination’, 13 per cent of them openly stated

that without the concern of them their male family members will look after

everything starting from the selection of the women members candidature to

contest in the elections and exercising their functions after elections as

representatives of local political bodies. “It is an open secret” as stated by some

of the women.

To study more on the issues of `male domination’ the researcher had

some informal conversation with some of the senior women citizens and some of




the officials working in the Panchayat Raj institutions of Therlam Constituency.

Some of the elderly women expressed that it is a very good opportunity to the

backward women, scheduled caste and scheduled tribes which was given by the

73rd and 74th amendments of the constitution to achieve political empowerment of

women. They also felt that as the village life is tradition bound in some aspects

and according to Hindu culture, without the interference of male family members

the very first question of `women contesting in the elections’ does not arise.

Traditionally men are more familiar with the village affairs than women.

Therefore they opined that non-interference of male members with regard to the

entry of village administration cannot be avoided. The situation is prevailing not

only in Therlam Constituency but in many more Indian villages as is revealed by

an elderly lady. The elderly women of the Therlam Constituency exhibited

disinterest towards the political empowerment of women in their initial informal

conversation with the researcher and though the researcher got discouragement

and confusion his repeated informal conversations with the elderly women

benefited him as some of the question that were raised by them to the

researcher are thought provoking and interesting. The questions are narrated

below:

1. Do you Expect any support from your family members in discharging your

duties as Z.P.T.C. / M.P.T.C. / Sarpanch?

2. Are you getting cooperation by the male officials when implementation of

Government Programmes or day by day administrative affaires?




3. Do you get sufficient funds on time from the higher administrative

authorities with regard to the public requirements of your area?

4. Do you expect any support from local area leaders in your duties /

functions?

5. Do you attend any training programmes of PRI meetings organized by

Governmental Authorities?

6. In your opinion, does the training improve the efficiency of the women

political leaders?

7. Do you agree that the welfare schemes are reaching the needy or not ?

8. How do you feel about the role of ZPTC / MPTC/Sarpanch / Ward

Member?

The above questions raised by the elderly women of the Therlam

Constituency needs greater attention by those scholars who study on

empowerment of women, Panchayat Raj institutions, political process and other

aspects. Social scientists administrators, policy makers, voluntary organizations,

governmental organizations and various other agencies also need to address the

above issues raised by the women of the Therlam Constituency. While coming to

the view expressed by officials working in the local political bodies, during their

informal conversations with the researcher

Findings of the Study:Findings of the Study:Findings of the Study:Findings of the Study:




1. Majority 84.54% (268) of the women leaders says that the women have 33

percent reservation of seats in the political bodies, 13.88% of women

leaders said that the women should be 50 percent and the rest of the

women leaders said that the women should have no need of reservation of

seats in the political bodies.

2. Nearly half of the women leaders (46.37%) are cultivation, 42.59 percent of

the women leaders are labourers, 7.89 percent of the women leaders are

housewives and the rest of the few women leaders are business..

3. Majority of the women leaders (50.79%) are serve the public, 42.59

percent of the women leaders rational behind entering into politics of their

political interest and the rest of the 6.62 percent of the women leaders

rational behind entering into politics of their heredity.

4. Majority 58.99% of the women leaders elected from Congress party and

the rest of the 41.01 percent of the women leaders elected from the Telugu

Desam Party.

5. Majority 59.94% of the women leaders expended below Rs. 25 000, 30.91

percent of the women leaders expended Rs. 25001 to 50000 and very few

women leaders expended above Rs. 50000 in their elected from Congress

party and the rest of the 41.01 percent of the women leaders elected from

the Telugu Desam Party.

6. Majority 74.76% of the women leaders are favourble opinion towards their

participation in mandal / district politics and the rest of the women leaders




have no favourble opinion towards their participation in mandal / district

politics.

7. Majority (89.59%) of the women leaders are positive response towards

their leadership and the rest of the 10.41 percent of the women leaders are

negative response towards their leadership in the politics.

8. Majority 84.86% of the women leaders are said need of hour towards direct

and indirections in Panchayat Raj Elections and the rest of the 15.14

percent of the women leaders said not necessary direct and indirect

elections in Panchayat Raj elections.

9. Majority 67.19% of the women leaders said that they serve the public and

the rest of the 32.81 percent of the women are listening the public

problems.

10. Majority 78.23% of the women leaders are expected support from their

family members in discharging of duties ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch and the

rest of the 21.77 percent of the women leaders are not expected support

from their family members in discharging of duties ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch.

11. Majority 67.51% of the women leaders are get cooperation from the male

officials when implementing the Government Programmes and the rest of

the 32.49 percent of women leaders are get non-cooperation from the male

officials when implementing the Government Programmes.

12. Majority 63.72% of the women leaders said they get sufficient funds from

the Higher Administrative Authorities on time and the rest of the 36.28




percent of the women leaders said they did not get sufficient funds on time

from the Higher Administrative Authorities.

13. Majority 82.65% of the women leaders excepted support of the local area

leaders in their duties / functions and the rest of the 17.35 percent of the

women leaders are not expected support from the local area leaders in

their duties / functions.

14. Majority 83.60% of the women leaders attended in the training

programmes of PRI meetings organiseed by Government Authorities and

the remaining 16.40 percent of the women leaders are not attended in the

training programmes of PRI meetings organized by the Government

Authorities.

15. Majority 78.86% of the women leaders are improved their efficiency after

getting the training and the rest of the 21.14 percent of women leaders are

not improved in their efficiency after getting the training.

16. Majority 61.83% of the women representatives said that they get welfare

schemes properly and the rest of the 38.17 percent of the women

representatives said they did not get some welfare schemes properly.

17. half of the 51.10% of the women representatives in their opinion towards

the role of the ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward Members is good, 39.43

percent of the women representatives in their opinion towards the role of

the ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward Members is Average and the rest of the




9.47 percent of women representatives in their opinion towards the role of

the ZPTC/MPTC/Sarpanch/Ward Members is poor.

The process of political empowerment of women in the Therlam

Constituency has certain unique features. Firstly the women of the area showed

greater enthusiasm towards the various schemes that were introduced by the

then congress party for the welfare of women. By joining in various

developmental programmes as members they were able to understand the

collective work of the women force and gained confidence about their abilities.

Secondly, the greatest propaganda that was carried out by the Congress party

workers benefited the women of the area in their political awareness. This

awareness is like the reading of their political empowerment. They were able to

know the political scenario in the country with the help of the media, television,

radio as a result of the technological development. Thirdly there was strong

competition between the Congress party and the Telugu Desam party. As

mentioned earlier out of the 317 elected women representatives 187 belong to

Congress party and 130 belong to Telugu Desam party. Thirdly the process of

political empowerment of women in the Therlam Constituency , when compared

to some other backward areas in other parts of the country is also something

special. As mentioned earlier as a result of the 73rd and 74th constitutional

amendments nearly 3 billion of women through out India had the chance of

entering into Panchayat Raj institutions as representative of the people in their

process of their political empowerment. About the performance of these women




representatives some voluntary organizations and individuals conducted studies

in states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and others.

These studies revealed certain facts about the challenges that women had to

face in performing their functions as the representatives of people. For

example, in Himachal Pradesh one Adivasi women was elected as Sarpanch to a

village and faced a number of problems both from the family members and the

members of the village. Many complaints were given by the villagers to the

Government stating that she was corrupt and she had illegal contacts with one of

the Government officials. They went to the extend of moving a no confidence

motion and their resulted in creating misunderstandings between herself,

husband and other family members. In other study conducted in the same state

Jourlacies and personal grudges towards a women representative led to some

violence activities. The women Sarpanch though sincere and hard working she

was proved corrupt by the villagers and the went to the extent of burning the

vehicle in which she was proceeding to the head quarters of her district. She by

God’s grace luckily escaped from the danger of death. Fortunately their type of

violence on women representatives of Therlam Constituency did not take place.

In a study conducted in Madhya Pradesh one women Sarpanch was alleged on

corruption and a no confidence motion was moved against her. The women

representatives of Therlam Constituency have not faced this type of disrespect

from the public. Another study conducted in Uttar Pradesh revealed that generally

the male members of the family of the women representatives or the husband of




the women Sarpanch will look after the administration on behalf of his wife from A

to Z. Therefore,, the usage of `Sarpanch pati’ (husband of Sarpanch) become

very common. In this respect also the Therlam Constituency ranks highly.

Although the husbands of the women Sarpanches cooperate and extend their

services in the administration of the village they never crossed their limits and

they are trying to help the women to some extent of progress in the process of

their political empowerment.

It is worth to mentIt is worth to mentIt is worth to mentIt is worth to mention here some of the directions made by a study for promotinion here some of the directions made by a study for promotinion here some of the directions made by a study for promotinion here some of the directions made by a study for promoting g g g

women’s political empowerment:women’s political empowerment:women’s political empowerment:women’s political empowerment:

Women’s full participation in politics is a fundamental and non-negotiable

right. The United Nations Secretary General’s report on Equality in political

participation and Decision Making posed this question: “To what extent is the

general advancement of women needed before it is possible to have full

participation in politics?” or rather is it the case that full participation in politics is

necessary to achieve the general advancement of women?” Each question

presupposes a different strategy in addressing the problem of broadening

women’s political participation. The first question makes as a precondition to

women’s full participation in politics the satisfaction of their practical needs such

as access to education, health care, livelihood and legal status. But if it has been

women’s absence from position of power that occasioned their marginalization,

the question is: How can they push for their practical needs to be prioritized in a

situation where men still dominate in decision-making in government? The




second question underscores the need to promote women’s full and equal

participation in decision-making positions to ensure that their needs are

prioritized and addressed. This strategy further implies that women can and

should take control of their future instead of being dependent on the action of

others. Women can set and purse their own agenda. Increased political

participation of women is, after all, not only an end in itself but also a means to

address issues that are of importance to them.

Creating an enabling environment for women’s political empowermentCreating an enabling environment for women’s political empowermentCreating an enabling environment for women’s political empowermentCreating an enabling environment for women’s political empowerment::::

Fostering a more inclusive and transformative type of politics means

creating a more generalized political participation. Politics is not simply the once-

in-a-quadrennium exercise of choosing candidates. It is an entire cycle that

begins with shared concerns espoused by an awakened constituency, holding

officers accountable to addressing those concerns. Political participation is

therefore a continuing process. It is necessary to create an environment that will

facilitate the election, appointment or promotion of a sufficient number of women

to decision-making positions. The goal of a “sufficient number” refers more to a

situation where it is no longer remarkable for women to be put in positions of

power rather than a specific target of say 20% or 30%. Yet this environment is not

simply for producing women leaders but also to develop a new and active

citizenry among women. A strong political will on the part of government and the




leadership of political parties, business, trade and labor unions, academe and

other social institutions is critical in achieving an environment conducive to

promoting women’s political participation. It is not enough that relevant legislation

is passed, provisions of international conferences ratified, quotas instituted, or

policies adopted. These kinds of commitments must be translated into action via

implementation of specific strategies directed at increasing women’s access to

power and their number in decision-making positions.

The Government :The Government :The Government :The Government :

The setting of quotas or targets for women’s representation in legislative

bodies and the different leadership levels of the bureaucracy has been proven

effective in increasing the percentage of women in decision-making positions in

some countries. Here we issue a caveat: although quotas are useful to advocate

women’s inclusion, governments must be careful to ensure that the quote

percentage does not become a “glass ceiling” that pegs the proportion of women

to a specific figure. Based on experience, the use of quotas for legislative seats is

enhanced by the use of the proportional representation system of election.

Proportional representation facilitates the inclusion of more women because they

need not get the majority vote in order to win a seat. Governments which provide

special subsidies for political campaigns can also consider allocating incentives

to parties that include a significant percentage of women in their list of




candidates; or to parties that secured women election into office. Fuller and more

adequate statistics on women’s political participation is needed. The availability

and use of sex-disaggregated statistics on decision-making bodies at all levels is

necessary to convince government leaders to pursue changes favoring women’s

increased representation in these structures. It can also be used by NGOs and

national women’s machineries to monitoring and follow-up individual ministries

with regard to increasing the proportion of women in higher level positions.

Governments can also include specific targets and goals for women’s political

participation in their national development plan for woman.

Political partiPolitical partiPolitical partiPolitical partieseseses ::::

Political parties play an important role in helping women get elected. But

women will remain marginalized through their low representation in the party’s list

of candidates, unless party members realize that women can be an electoral

asset. Political parties can establish a committee on gender equality to review its

policies and procedures for candidate selection and ascending to leadership

positions in the party. Experience has shown that self-imposed quotas for the

inclusion of women in a party’s list of candidates is more effective than one that is

mandated by law. The committee on gender equality can also examine

processes in a party such as the setting of schedules of meetings to ensure that it

does not conflict with family time. It can also plan for the provision of free or




inexpensive childcare facilities. Parties can draw up a roster of women

candidates interested in running for electoral office or nomination for appointive

positions in government. They can help these women prepare for leadership

positions by facilitating formal mentoring schemes. Seasoned politicians, senior

party members and political advocates can coach potential women candidates on

such topics as how to organize and work with a constituency as well as to

advocate for issues. Political parties can likewise organize training on

parliamentary procedures, understanding the government budgeting system,

building an electoral image and using the media effectively. Finally, adequate

financial and logistical support of political parties to women during the conduct of

their campaign is very critical.

Media and Educational Institutions Media and Educational Institutions Media and Educational Institutions Media and Educational Institutions ::::

Mass media and the formal education system are powerful means for

conveying and transforming the values affirmed by a society. Their influence has

so far been under-utilized in advocating for gender equality in general and

women’s increased political participation and leadership in particular by

encouraging girls to aspire to become leaders and not just followers. More

women should be portrayed as leaders and in positions of power in television,

movies, radio, literature and textbooks. Women in leadership roles should be

depicted as the norm instead of the exception and popularized women leaders




as role models. Alternative leadership models should be studied and practiced in

schools. This includes reinforcing leadership qualities in both sexes and providing

them with equal opportunities to practice these.

Political organizing as a strategy for women to gain powerPolitical organizing as a strategy for women to gain powerPolitical organizing as a strategy for women to gain powerPolitical organizing as a strategy for women to gain power::::

In order to achieve women’s political empowerment, it is not enough that

social institutions create an enabling environment for change. Women must come

to their own decision to actively participate in politics and decision-making at all

levels. Women’s organizations in the past two decades or more have scored

significant gains in the struggle for gender equality. Through consciousness-

raising, organizing, mobilizing, networking and lobbying, they have raised gender

to the level of public discourse, pioneered creative programs and institutions,

pushed the limits of advocacy and reform. All this they have done save one step:

to sit at the table of power to make the decisions that matter in the life of people

and community. Thus failing to translate their gains into political power, they

have made those gains vulnerable to legislative whimsy, fiscal cutbacks,

economic meltdown. Politics is viewed not just in terms of electoral politics but in

the whole range of political processes in society such as an active citizenry

serving at times as a lobby for legislative reform, at others as watchdog against

environmental abuse. It is imperative that women, individually and in concert,

decide to tackle the sphere of politics to secure the gains of the past decade and




to move the women’s agenda forward into the new millennium. Government can

be supportive, men can become allies, even champions, funding agencies can

help, but in the end, it will be the women and no one else who will tackle and

push their political agenda, and sustain their foray into the brave new world of

politics.

Increasing women’s self worthIncreasing women’s self worthIncreasing women’s self worthIncreasing women’s self worth::::

Individual women need to raise their self-awareness, and examine their

own values and attitudes towards gender equality. Women and men are brought

up within a culture that espouses given roles and expectations of both genders.

In the process of becoming gender sensitive and politically empowered, women

should examine these culturally defined roles and expectations to determine

whether they promote or hinder their development. Christine pintat stresses that

what has worked for women’s political empowerment is the resolve for change

within women themselves that leads to action, continuous organized discussions

and networking. The resolve for change is an effect of women’s self-acceptance

and higher self-esteem.




Sharing of responsibilities and power between women and menSharing of responsibilities and power between women and menSharing of responsibilities and power between women and menSharing of responsibilities and power between women and men ::::

Women’s full participation in politics is not possible unless there is a

sharing of power and responsibilities between women and men in both the public

and private sphere. The multiple responsibilities borne by women including child

rearing, family care, home maintenance, economic activity, and community and

political involvement are also the full responsibility of men by virtue of their

equality with women. Social institutions, beginning with the family, school, the

church and media, which are primarily responsible for educating children, have a

critical role to play in bringing this message across. The government, business

sector, social movements and civil society as a whole must also reinforce this

message through a review of their values, structures, policies and procedures to

ensure that these are not biased against women and men fulfilling their rights and

responsibilities in both the public and private spheres. On the personal level,

women and men must examine their own values and attitudes to determine if

they are biased have to be changed to make it possible for long term changes in

the family and the larger social institutions to occur.

Support from nonSupport from nonSupport from nonSupport from non----government organizatiogovernment organizatiogovernment organizatiogovernment organizationsnsnsns ::::

Social movements have been at the forefront of the struggle for women’s

political empowerment. NGOs have also been a catalyst for organizing women




into constituency groups that can lobby for their issues in government as act as

pressure groups vis-à-vis other sectors such as business. Beyond winning

specific demands, women’s organizing should aim to penetrate leadership

positions at various levels of political social institutions. Organized women can be

a strong force in demanding their right to equal political representation. It is

important however, that women’s groups remain autonomous, espousing their

own agenda. Organized groups are a good training ground for women aspiring

for higher positions of power in legislative bodies as well as in national and local

governments. These groups likewise serve as a support network for members

who run for elections or are already in leadership positions. Ideally, their

constituency’s support should start when women decide to run, during the

campaign period, and, if elected, throughout their term; or, if not elected, in

planning out their next move. The relationship between a leader and her

constituency should be one based on constant dialogue, feedback and joint

action. A strong partnership particularly important in helping women leaders stay

on track with the group’s agenda and providing moral support as these women try

to penetrate male dominated ranks of power. Yet the political moment begins

much earlier: when a self conscious community defines what it wants and

decides on the track of politics to secure its needs. The community therefore

yields up its representative whose leadership precisely rests on the community’s

trust and confidence. The leader or politician represents his or her community

and is accountable to it.




It is high time for women to claim their right to equal access to decision

making and power. Substantial and sustained gains in other areas of concern

such as violence against women, access to education and health care, and

economic independence will not be possible unless women tackle the sphere of

politics and all its ramifications: by lobbying to put in place appropriate legislation

and support programs; by ensuring that these are properly implemented; and by

running the entire gamut of the political challenge from electorate to candidate

and power holder. This implies that concerted effort from women to push the

political agenda at the local, national and regional levels must continue. This

political suvvy must be matched by technological savvy: making use of the

unprecedented opportunities offered by new communications technology to

advocate, consult, discuss, draw feedback, and build consensus. Women and

men also need to reflect on how their values and attitudes contribute to

perpetuate traditional gender stereotypes; and reinforce as well as create

institutional barriers to women’s political empowerment. A transformation of these

valves and attitudes at the individual and societal level must take place as a

precondition for achieving de facto gender equality. Women’s growing presence

in decision making positions provides an alternative to the current leadership

paradigm informed by male identified attributes. Women’s demand for

representation is not replace men’s domination but to create spaces for both




women and men to develop their potentials and foster a synergy that can take on

the challenges of the new millennium.

The following suggestions can be made to ensure adequate and effective

participation of women in the Panchayat Raj system in the process of political

empowerment of women.

a) As suggested by Mohini Giri, former Chairperson of the National

Commission for Women, Government of India, a Federation of

Women Panchayats should spread through out the length and

breadth of the country and this federation will be a platform to

advocate, lobby and bring about changes for gross root

empowerment,. A dedicated band of federation of working

Panchayat women who are newly entering local political structures to

ensure that they have the necessary training and resources to fully

participate in local affairs. It is hoped that this federation would be

prepared to work in partnership with India’s women leaders as they

create their vision and plans for a new future for their communities

and for their country.

b) Systematic efforts should be made by Government and non-

governmental organizations to address the constraints faced by the

elected women representative one of the most important draw back

of the rural women is illiteracy and a higher proportion of women

elected representatives in Panchayat Raj Institutions are illiterate.




Official machinery must make serve attempts to overcome the

constraints of illiteracy. In the words of AS Rajes Tandon, President

of Participatory Research in Asia “Women ‘s Participation and

Leadership in PRIS need to be taken up seriously by central and

State Governments if the vision of local self governance is to be

realized in India. Positive support from state governments can

contribute significantly towards engendering governance-Women’s

Panchayati Raj

c) To empower women politically training centres are to be established

where women are taught gender issues confidence building,

managing Panchayat institutions. Other women organizations need

to cooperate with these training centers so that there can be

exchange of information with regard to various issues related to

women. The women who have already served a term can extend

their services in giving suggestions and act as mentors.

d) Some of the members of the scheduled castes are not happy about

the current functioning of the Panchayat Raj institutions. According

to a study conducted by an NGO even till today the members of the

scheduled caste are not allowed to fetch the water from the common

well of the village. As suggested by Tapas Satpathy social

activities, media, academicians and NGOS can play an active role

on the issue of discrimination.




e) Political parties are to make efforts to make the participation of

women in Panchayat Raj institutions more meaningful, support

Panchayats in their interference with Government funds should be

made easily available towards the development of villages. There

should not be any kind of discrimination towards women

representatives. Some of the NGOS are broad casting programmes

relating to local self-governments to create awareness among

women in different states of India. They must extend their services

to Andhra regions also so that women of Badangi Mandal would

also be benefited, while selecting women as candidate for election

there should not be any force or partiality or selfish motive on the

part of the party leaders and members of the family . Freedom must

be given to women in contesting for election.

f) Support from the family is more important for women’s entry into

political field. In the similar way women must take it a challenge to

exercise two roles as an important member of the family owned as

well wisher of the village community. She must be able to know the

problems of the villages and must be in a position to take right

decisions at the right time. In the process of political empowerment

women must first step from the enshrouding conditions that

characterize her life. The political empowerment of women through

the gross root administration is undoubtedly linked to a process by




which Indian society begins to break down the age old tradition and

customs that limits the freedom of women. Women must equip

themselves by increasing their awareness in the political process of

the country to achieve quantitative representation in the local

political bodies.

g) Under the present day circumstances there is a great need of

women’s representation in the local political bodies to achieve

political empowerment. They should not remain as dummies. They

must try to know what are their duties as representatives of the

people. They must be in a position to take quick and correct

decisions for the over all development of the villages. They must

also be in a position of pacify the conflicts among the members of

the village that arise often. There must be cooperation among the

women members in addressing and solving women’s issues.

Women representatives must make their presence regular in the

meetings. To strengthen the political empowerment of women

through Panchyat Raj institutions as desired by Rajiv Gandhi is the

need of the honour in order to bring moral character to the Gram

Panchayats which was also the dream of Mahathma Gandhi.




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lviii District Gazetter of Vizianagaram, Government of Andhra Pradesh,

Hyderabad. lix Ibid lx Ibid lxii

Balwantrai Mehta Committee was the first committee that was formed I n 1957 with regard to the development of Panchayat Raj Institutions. It submitted its report in 1958.

lxiii

The Ashok Mehta committee submitted its report in 1967 3 Late Rajiv Gandhi the former Prime Minister of India made effective steps to strengthen the Panchayat Raj Institutions in order to empower the weaker sections and women to take part in the local administration. 4 Report of the Balwantrai Mehta Committee P. 45-52, 1957. 5The note of dissent was signed by Veena Mazumdar and Lotika Sankar. 6 G.V.K.Rao Committee, in 1985; the L.M. Singhvi Committee, 1986.




7 Raj, Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, the Former of Union Mister of Panchayat Raj

addressing a public gathering discussed the provisions of the act in detail.

Reference Reference Reference Reference 3333rdrdrdrd chapter chapter chapter chapter ::::

1. District Gazette of Vizianagaram, Census of1991 Handbook.

2. Administrative Records that are available in the Badangi Mandal Development Office.

3. Face to face interviews with the officials of Panchayati Raj Institutions of Badangi Mandal.

ReferReferReferReferences ences ences ences 4444

thththth chchchchaaaappppter ter ter ter :::: lxix

Hazel D’ Lama, `Women in Local Self-government’, New Delhi, 1983, p.37.

lxx

P.Manikyamba, Participation of Women in Panchayati Raj Institutions

(unpublished)

lxxi

S.N.Misra, Politics and Society in Rural India.

lxxii

K.Raghavendra Rao, `Caste Secularism and Democracy in India’ International Journal of Comparative Society, 1966, p.199.

lxxiii

S.N.Misra., op.cit. p.84

lxxiv

Director of Census Operations, Andhra Pradesh, 1991.

lxxv

K.Vijayalakshmi, “DAWRA schemes as means of empowering women,

proceedings of the Andhra Pradesh History Congress, 1999, p.124.

lxxvi

Ibid., P.126.




References 5References 5References 5References 5thththth chapter :chapter :chapter :chapter :

1. Editorial, Journal of Rural Development, November, 2003, New Delhi.

2. Sudhir Krishna, Women and Panchayat Raj : The Law, Programmes and the Practices, Journal of Rural Development, Vol.16, 1997, NIRD, Hyderabad, p.660.

3. K.Subha, Women in Local Governance, p.55

4. Ibid., p.135.

5. Zenab Banu, Tribal Women Empowerment Gender Issues, Kanishka Publishers, New Delhi, 2001, p.68.

6. Hezel D’ Lima, Participation of Women in Local Self Government, Vikas Publishing House, New Delhi, 1993, p.121.

7. According to the Andhra Pradesh Mandal Praza Parishads, Zilla Abhiruddi Samkshenma Mandal Act of 1986 the Panchayat Samities are called as Mandals and Zilla Praja Parishad .

8. Zenab Banu, op.cit., p.92.

9. Ibid, p.93.

10. Panchayat Raj Compendium, Appar and Priaya, Hyderabad, 2005, pp.20-21.

11. Krishnakothari, Dalit Leadership in Panchayats Participation and Governance, Vol.9, March 2003, New Delhi, p.35.




12. G.Palanithurai, Dalit Leadershiplk in Panchayats – Particiaption and Governance, Op.cit, p.28.

13. Andhra Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act of 1994, Hyderabad.

14. S.P.Jain, Participation, Decentralised Planning and Panchayat Raj in India : A Review, Journal of Grss Root Governance, op.cit., p.76.

15. C.P.Yadev, , Empowering Women Through Local Self Governments, Empowerment of Women, Vol.1, New Delhi, 2000, p.195.

16. Panchayati Raj Compendium, op.cit, pp.16-17.

17. Ibid., p.18.

18. Ibid., p.19.

19. B.Devi Prasad and S.Harinath, Participation of Women and Dalits in Gram Panchayat, Journal of Rural Development, NIRD, Vol.23, No.3, July-Sept., 2004, Hyderabad, p.312.




ABOUT AUTHOR

Dr. P . APPA RAO was born in small village named Mallampeta at Tadangi Mandalam Vijayanagarm

District of Andhra Pradesh. He completed his study up to under graduation at same native place. And

he completed PhD at Andhra University Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh India. He is presently working

as a Lecturer in the Department of Politics in the S.V.V.P V.M.C. Degree and P.G. Centre, M.V.P. Colony

Visakhapatnam.

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