ARCHIVES
VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Grassroots governance and women’s political empowerment in India: The role of Panchayat Raj Institutions
Authors
Rajiv Shankhu
Abstract
Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) constitute
the foundation of grassroots democracy in India, aimed at decentralizing
governance and promoting inclusive participation. The constitutional mandate of
reserving seats for women in PRIs has significantly transformed the structure
of local governance by enabling women’s entry into political decision-making
spaces. This review paper critically examines existing literature to assess the
role of PRIs in fostering political empowerment among women. Drawing upon
secondary sources such as academic studies, policy documents, and evaluation
reports, the paper analyses institutional mechanisms, reservation policies,
socio-cultural constraints, leadership experiences, and capacity-building
initiatives that shape women’s political participation. The review reveals that
while PRIs have enhanced women’s descriptive representation, substantive
empowerment remains constrained by patriarchal norms, limited autonomy, and
unequal access to resources. The paper argues that genuine political
empowerment requires not only constitutional safeguards but also sustained
institutional support and social transformation.
Download
Pages:236-237
How to cite this article:
Rajiv Shankhu "Grassroots governance and women’s political empowerment in India: The role of Panchayat Raj Institutions". International Journal of Law, Vol 12, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 236-237
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.