Democratic Decentralization and Women’s Role in Community Development

Abstract

The 73rd Amendment to the Constitution has given constitutional status to the Panchayats, provided it a complete framework and also observed its certainty. The “Panchayats” covering provisions from article 243 to 243(O) and a new Eleventh Schedule envisage 29 subjects within the function of Panchayats. It observed the Panchayats as the institutions of local self-governance and also the universal platforms for planning and implementing programmes for economic- socio development and justice. It has broadened the democracy approach and ensured social and political empowerment of the people, particularly the dis-advantaged through reservation.