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In a recent case, SC while offering relief to Woman Sarpanch removed by District Administration in a Maharashtra village highlighted resistance faced by EWRs in Panchayats.
EWRs in Rural Government
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Issues faced by EWRs in Rural Areas
- Rubber Stamps Candidates: Actual decision-making powers lies with husbands/male family members.
- Gender Biases and Social Barriers: Domestic Responsibilities along with prejudiced attitude towards EWRs limits possibility for bringing social change.
- States’ Policies as Barrier: Some states like Rajasthan have two-child norm or minimum educational qualification as criteria for contesting elections.
- Rotation of Seats: EWRs often have to discontinue after serving a single term due to rotation.
- Other Issues: Digital divide, Lack of Knowledge, apprehensions about ability, cultural Constraints etc.
Way forward on facilitating EWRs
- Institutional Reforms: recruiting more women in other Panchayat roles like Panchayat Secretary, institutionalized monitoring to restrict interference by their male counterparts in their work.
- Strengthening Women Collective Agency: Nurturing federations of EWRs, mobilizing forums like Self Help Groups, etc.
- Others: Investing in capacity building through education; coherent and updated data for comprehensive assessment, etc.
