Empowerment of Women Through Panchayat Raj Institutions: A Study of Backward Class Women in Anantapuramu District of Andhra Pradesh

The study analyzes the extent of participation of backward class women elected representatives in Panchayats in Anantapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh, The data was analysed by using simple statistical tools such as averages and per centages.The analyzed data was used to prepare the research paper from which ingerences were drawn and conclusions arrived at. The author opines that the ongoing literacy programmes should specifically cover illiterate women members of Panchayats.


1.INTRODUCTION
Decentralization as a political phenomenon is interpreted as a means to make the State more responsive and adaptable to the local needs than that it could be with concentration of administrative powers and responsibility of the state. More specifically, decentralization is referred to as a process of sharing of powers by the Central ruling groups with other groups, each having authority within a specific area or the State. From the point of view of norms, it means presence of formal political structures for each defined area representing a combination of local as well as central interest, who exercise the powers of decision making at the local level and such allocation of powers is protected by formal as well as normative rules accepted by the Centre. The process of decentralization involves both administration and the government as it involves delegation of powers to the lower levels in the territorial hierarchy; this could be within this State or in the offices within the large scale organization.
Even though an important aspect of State's functioning in an area, Decentralization is not confined to the territorial hierarchy alone. From the practical point of view, hierarchical prescription of functions and powers would not be able to give satisfactory results if these levels are not equipped with powers of taking decisions and implementing them. Decision making aspect is important for determining the forms and extent of decentralization depending upon which decentralization may have at least distinct alternatives, viz., deconcentration, delegation and devolution.
Deconcentration refers to the physical dispersal or shifting of the offices or the seats of decision making, whereby decision makers are located closer to the activities and persons for whom they work. But they continue to be accountable to the central authority. Retention of accountability to the central authority does not mean that powers are not transferred to these offices. Shifting of seats of decisions making may be supplemented by the transfer of power of decision making although the decision making power may or may not be enlarged. 4 2,1 Objectives of the study The specific objectives of the study are as follows: 1. To study the extent of participation of backward class women elected representative in Panchayats; 2. To explore the awareness, interest, and involvement of women in Panchayat elections; 3. To know the leadership qualities of backward class women; 4. To assess the perception of women about the Panchayat system in general and their role in particular; and 5. To find out the factors which tend to promote or prevent women members from performing their roles.

Methodology
Keeping in view the objectives of the study the data for the present study is collected both from primary and secondary sources. The primary data is collected by administering by administering a pre-tested Interview Schedule. The Interview Schedule is intended to elicit the opinions of sample women representatives on various functional facets as well as empowerment facets. The secondary data is collected from the published books, journals, periodicals, published reports, action plans, unpublished thesis, official documents, broachers and official records. Data also collected from various offices like District Panchayat Office, Zilla Parishad Office, Mandal Offices and Research Institutions.

Analysis of Data
The collected data/information was analysed by using SPSS package. The data was analysed by using simple statistical tools such as 'averages' and 'percentages'. The analysed data was used to prepare the report from which inferences were drawn and conclusions arrived at.

3.Findings of the Study
The findings of the study are as follows: political party or other. About 9.72 per cent of them are not associated with any regional or national political parties. 8. It is clear from the study that full support has been rendered by the family towards 45.14 per cent women members and 9.94 per cent women members do not get any support from her family. A significant portion of the women members (31.53 per cent) are getting help from their husbands without any interference. 9. As per the study most of the sample women representatives have concentrated on encouraging women to take part in MGNREGS works. The second priority of all women representatives is formation of Self-Help Groups. The sample representatives on immunization programme as third important activity undertaken for the development of women.

Suggestions for Policy and Action
The results of the study showed incremental gains women members have made in most participation areas resulting from training intervention but a long way is yet to be covered and especially with respect to free women from disabling influence of purdah system, male interference and discrimination. Besides, special efforts need to be directed towards increasing awareness about PRIs, enhancing skills to participate in deliberations and improving ability to undertake different types of Panchayat work. Participation in Panchayat discussions and decision-making also needs to be further improved and greater opportunities for internal and personal development need to be made available. Suggestive measures that are outlined below are expected to bridge the gaps still remain to be bridged.
1. The constitutional provisions and legislative measures alone will not go too far in empowering women members. They themselves have to assume responsibilities, demonstrate their ability and confidence, reduce their dependence on others and prevent their interference. As the task is not easy to accomplish, the state, com-munity, NGOs and village organisations, all have to come together to work towards capacity building of women members. This will go a long way in changing the prevalent view that women are there in Panchayats because of reservation only and that they are incapable to handle Panchayat work. 2. A large proportion of women suffer from the lack of confidence, fear of being ridiculed by males and afraid of speaking in meetings in presence of village elders. This needs to be attended sooner than later in case goals of reservation are to be achieved. Conditions are, therefore, needed to be created so that women members feel encouraged to share their views, express themselves freely, views put up by them receive due attention and shoulder some responsibilities. For this purpose, a multi-pronged strategy needs to be pursued that involves awareness generation, association with ongoing development schemes, and availment of available opportunities allowing women to demonstrate their ability. Besides, their outside exposure at frequent intervals, especially to banking, health, educational and similar other institutions, would broaden their mental horizon as also build their confidence. 3. One of the factors underlying poor participation of women members is lack of information and awareness. It makes women dependent on others and also compels them to put signatures on registers as desired by male members. This limitation can be overcome if information about PRIs and relevant rules are translated into simple language and local dialects; proceedings recorded in the meetings are read out for the illiterates before asking them to put signatures. While, the ongoing literacy programmes should specifically cover illiterate women members of Panchayats, the adult female literacy programme should be initiated in mission mode with active involvement of PRIs. 4. Results showed that the discrimination against women continues in some form. As it is deep rooted and perpetuated by patriarchy, empowering women, most of whom are economically dependent on the male folk, is an uphill task that cannot be accomplished simply by education or awareness generation. What is needed is a holistic approach combining within it measures towards economic independence, gender justice, equal access to education and health services and freedom from socio-cultural inhibitions. The scale on which such an approach needs to be pursued calls for a Special Component Plan for Women ensuring one-third of the total budgetary allocation flowing towards women development, promotion of self help groups of women promising economic independence, leadership development, and skill improvement relevant to trades meeting needs of modern markets. 5. Recognising economic independence as a key factor in empowerment of women and in ensuring them a say in the decision making process in family and society, programmes of employment generation, skill development, productivity increase and resources mobilisation need to be vigorously pursued and all the concerned departments and agencies operating at different levels need to be actively involved in a coordinated way.