Women’s Participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions and its Impact on Tribal Empowerment: A Sociological Study of Banaskantha District, Gujarat

Abstract

The constitutionalization of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 marked a significant milestone in democratic decentralization and women’s political empowerment in India. The reservation of seats for women in local self-government institutions has enhanced their political visibility and participation, particularly among marginalized communities, including Scheduled Tribes. The present study examines the role of women’s participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions and its impact on tribal empowerment in Banaskantha district of Gujarat. The study is based on primary data collected from 400 respondents residing in tribal areas of the district. The findings reveal that 42.0 percent of respondents perceive Panchayati Raj Institutions as moderately active in promoting women’s empowerment, while 37.25 percent consider them highly active. Collectively, 79.25 percent of respondents acknowledge the positive contribution of PRIs toward tribal women’s empowerment. The study concludes that while political participation has expanded significantly, challenges related to capacity building, literacy, decision-making autonomy, and proxy representation continue to limit the transformative potential of women’s leadership in local governance.