Sanjay Ghodawat University Dsi MMC 608

Sanjay Ghodawat University DSI MMC 608
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION OF STUDY
1.1 INTRODUCTION:
The issue of women’s political empowerment actually came to the forefront of the global debate
at “United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women held at Beijing in 1995. Women’s equal
access to, and full participation in decision-making was emphasized in various platform was one
of the critical areas of concern. It unequivocally declared, that “Women’s equal participation in
politics plays a pivotal role in the general process of the advancement of women. Women’s equal
participation is not only a demand for simple justice or democracy, but also be seen as a
necessary condition for women’s interests to be taken into account”
The past three decades have witnessed a steadily increasing awareness of the need to empower
women through measures to increase social, economic and political equity, and broader access to
fundamental human rights, improvements in nutrition, basic health and education. Along with
awareness of the subordinate status of women has come the concept of gender as an overarching
socio-cultural variable, seen in relation to other factors, such as race, class, age and ethnicity.
Gender is not synonymous with women, nor is it a zero-sum game, implying loss for men; rather,
it refers to both women and men, and to their status, relative to each other. Gender equality refers
to that stage of human social development at which “the rights, responsibilities and opportunities
of individuals will not be determined by the fact of being born male or female,” in other words, a
stage when both men and women realize their full potential.
The concern for women’s political equality in India first emerged as a political issue during the
national movement in which women were active participants. As early in 1917, Indian women
raised the issue of representation in politics, which at that time meant a demand for universal
adult franchise. Women had the right to vote provided based on wifehood, property and
education. The Government of India Act 1935, has provided voting rights to all women over 21
if they fulfil the conditions of property and education. Post–independence, women continued to
play a less significant role in conventional political activities such as environmental movement,
anti-alcohol agitation, peace movement and even revolutionary activities, which equally affect
power relationships as they have the capacity to influence the State. Yet, politics proved to be
very inhospitable terrain for women and continues to be the male bastion into which the entry of
School of Commerce and Management Page 1

women is severely restricted. Women continue to remain invisible and marginalized in decision-
making bodies. It was only with setting up of the Committee on the Status of Women in India
(CSWI, September, 1971)3 the demand for greater representation of women in Indian political
institutions got momentum. The CSWI report “Towards Equality” (1974) has revealed that
political parties have tended to see the women voters and citizens as appendages of the males...”
It also refers to the ‘tokenism’ involved in having a few women in the legislature and executive,
who are unable to act as spokespersons for women’s rights on the account of their dependent and
minority status. Recognizing the ‘tokenism’ inherent in association of women representatives
through election, co-option or nomination in local bodies, the report suggests a more meaningful
association of women in the structure of local administration. The report recommended the
establishment of Statutory Women’s Panchayats at village level; reservation of seats in
municipalities; constitution of permanent committees in municipalities to initiate and supervise
programmes for women’s welfare and development; and the political parties should adopt a
definite policy regarding the percentage of women candidates. It was however, not unanimous
with in favour of reservation and hence did not recommend quotas. The question of reservation
of seats was left to the National Perspective Plan for Women. It recognized the political
participation of women and suggested that a 30 percent quota for women to be introduced at all
levels of elective bodies. To encourage grass root participation in politics women’s organisations
too favoured introduction of reservation; initially at Panchayati (village Council) level.
Women since pre-independence and post independence, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and
education have been exploited in many forms and were denied rights on the basis of feminity and
inferiority. While there has been a revolution of sorts at different intervals and some recognition
has been provided, which is not at all acceptable given the current status of women and their
representation at different forums, is minimal, the governments, both state and national have
been formulating various policies and legislations to eradicate gender discrimination and
facilitate equal opportunity to women. This study is focused on the representation of women in
political circles as it is necessary to have women leaders at the helm of affairs to present their
problems and challenges with respect to equality. The research is aimed at studying the role of
women in politics, their participation, rate of participation, challenges they face to achieve equal
participation in politics, etc.

Empowerment of women appears to be a much publicized clichéd concept in the 21st Century.
Though, this much discussed and debated by media, politicians and academicians, yet women are
nowhere near to being full and equal participants in public policy choices that affect their lives.
Amartya Sen makes a compelling case for the notion that societies need to see women less as
passive recipients of help, and more as dynamic promoters of social transformation, a view
strongly buttressed by a body of evidence suggesting that the education, employment and
ownership rights of women have a powerful influence on their ability to control their
environment and contribute to economic development.

CHAPTER II- ABOUT VILLAGE
Atigre is a village in Kolhapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra, in western India. It is
situated on Kolhapur-Sangli Highway about 410 kilometers (250 mi) from Mumbai, 17km
from Kolhapur, 8km from Hatkanangle, 35km from Sangli, and 12km from Ichalkaranji.
Near Atigre is a small lake, "Shahu Talav", which has provided drinking and irrigation water for
the village for many years.
Atigre Village, with population of 3729 is Hatkanangle sub district's the 22nd least populous
village, located in Hatkanangle sub district of Kolhapur district in the state Maharashtra in India.
Total geographical area of Atigre village is 7 km2 and it is the 21st smallest village by area in the
sub district. Population density of the village is 563 persons per km2.
The village has its own post office and the pin code of Atigre village is 416118. Hatkanangle is
the sub district head quarter.
Demographics
The village is home to 3729 people, among them 1930 (52%) are male and 1799 (48%) are
female. 82% of the whole population are from general caste, 18% are from schedule caste. Child
(aged under 6 years) population of Atigre village is 11%, among them 56% are boys and 44% are
girls. There are 820 households in the village and an average 5 persons live in every family.

Caste wise male female population 2011 – Atigre
Total General Schedule Caste Schedule Tribe Child
Total 3,729 3,046 683 0 392
Male 1,930 1,573 357 0 221
Female 1,799 1,473 326 0 171
Sex Ratio - Females per 1000 Male
As of 2011 census there are 932 females per 1000 male in the village. Sex ratio in general caste
is 936, in schedule caste is 913. There are 774 girls under 6 years of age per 1000 boys of the
same age in the village.
Literacy
Total 2773 people in the village are literate, among them 1530 are male and 1243 are female.
Literacy rate (children under 6 are excluded) of Atigre is 83%. 90% of male and 76% of female
population is literate here.
Workers profile
Atigre has 38% (1400) population engaged in either main or marginal works. 57% male and 17%
female population are working population. 55% of total male population are main (full time)
workers and 2% are marginal (part time) workers. For women 14% of total female population are
main and 3% are marginal workers.

Percentage of working population - Atigre
Worker Main Worker Marginal Worker Non Worker
Total 38 36 2 63
Male 57 55 2 43
Female 17 15 3 83

CHAPTER III: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE

REVIEW
3.1. INTRODUCTION:
Women share roughly half of the world’s population. According to the Population Reference
Bureau, 2004, the World Population Data Sheet, The United Nations, out of the 3209 million
women living in the world, the share of India is 531.9 millions. This amounts to nearly half of
India’s total population. As per the Census, 2001, the ratio of females per thousand males is 933.
Different statistics suggest that this half of humanity possesses 1/100th of the world’s property.
Nearly seventy percent of the women live below the poverty line. Two-thirds of them are
illiterate. According to the Human Development Report 1995, “Poverty has a woman face. Of
1.3 billion people in poverty, 70 per cent are women”. Taking the economy as a whole, Indian
women perform two-thirds of the work, but earn only one-tenth of the income. Women do have
unequal access to land and property rights.
Women constitute half part of the society, but they are away of political, social, economical and
health opportunities. Women with disabilities have been largely neglected. Also due to many
societal rules and regulations, they never be a part of the decision making process. Though at
present women enjoy equal status with men as per the constitution and legal provisions but still
they have a long way to go. It is true and proved that “a country prosper if its women prosper”.
So women’s empowerment is vital towards the development of the society. ‘Empowerment’
means ‘to authorize’. In the context of the people, they have to be authorized to have control
over their own lives. Empowerment is only effective answer to oppression, exploitation, injustice
and other melodies of society. In short, Women empowerment means to give women the
opportunity to fulfil their creative capabilities and desires and take decisions independently. It
has social, political, economic, cultural dimensions. The concept of empowerment started from
civil rights movement in the USA, 1960. The International Conference on Population and
Development (ICPD)’ was held in Cairo, in 1994 and further in 1995 the ‘Fourth World
Conference on Women (FWCW)’ was organized in Beijing. Both conferences recognized the
significance of women empowerment and reaffirmed that reproductive health is an indispensable
part of women’s empowerment. The Government of India also implemented this agenda. As a

result, the Department of Women and Child Development (DWCW) made efforts to make
women strong, aware, and alert about their rights, health and social development. In India sixth
five year plan (1980-85) introduced, Women’s Empowerment programmes with an emphasis on
‘awareness raising’ and ‘mobilization’. There has been a major shift in the policy from the
concept of “welfare of women” in the 1970s to “development of women” in the 1980s and now
from 1990s “empowerment of women”. The Government of India has declared the year 2001 as
year for the Empowerment of Women, but the struggle to reach this stage has been long and
arduous.
The demands for special concessions and privileges to women are matters of right and not of
charity or philanthropy. When reservation for women in panchayats was announced, some
people supported it but some others said that it would generate a spirit of denigration.
At the panchayat level, one-third seats were reserved for women by making an amendment
(73rd) in the Constitution. Later on, a separate clause was added reserving one- third of seats for
the SC and ST women within the SC and ST quotas. This means that if there are 100 seats in a
local body, of which 23 seats are reserved for the SCs/STs, then 7 or 8 of these (23) seats would
be reserved for SC/ST women.
The 33 seats reserved for women would be adjusted to include the 7 SC/ST women seats so that
the general category of women reserved seats would come down from 33 to 26. Some states (like
U.P) have reserved seats for OBC women at the panchayat level. This means that out of 33 seats
for women, 7 will be for SCs/STs, 9 will be for OBC and 17 will be for general women.
Before the Bill on 33 per cent reservation of seats for women in the LokSabha was introduced in
December 1998; it had been prevented from being introduced on three different occasions: once,
during Prime Minister DeveGowda’s time (1996), again during Prime Minister Gujral’s time
(1997), and once again, during Prime Minister AtalBihari Vajpayee’s time (1998). At one stage
(during I.K. Gujral’s regime), the Bill was submitted to Gita Mukherjee Committee which in its
report, submitted in November 1996, recommended one-third reservation for women.
3.2. CONCEPT OF WOMENEMPOWERMENT:

The origin of the concept of empowerment goes back to the civil rights movement in the
USA in the 1960. It has since then been interpreted differently and filled with new meanings

and is today used in such different sectors as business, social work, development discourse and
by advocates of very different political agendas. The different definitions of empowerment
range between defining it as a largely individual process of taking control of and responsibility
for one’s life and situation, and defining it as a political process of granting human rights and
social justice to disadvantaged groups of people. At the former end of the continuum, where
empowerment is defined largely as an individual process, empowerment can be used in the
conservative political rhetoric of freeing the government of responsibility for injustices and for
granting social security. Instead, the argument makes individuals and communities responsible
for their own social security and welfare, without providing the necessary support andresources.
The empowerment of women is located within the discourse and agenda of gender equality and
is increasingly being taken in the agendas of international development organizations, perhaps
more as a means to achieve gender equality than as an end in itself. At the Social Summit in
Copenhagen in 1993 and the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo
1994 Governments committed themselves to the empowerment of women. This commitment
was operationalised and formulated into a clear action plan at the Fourth World Conference on
Women in Beijing 1995 where Governments committed themselves to the “empowerment and
advancement of women, including the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and
belief ,thus contributing to the moral, ethical, spiritual and intellectual needs of women and
men, individually or in community with others and thereby guaranteeing them the possibility of
realizing their full potential in society and shaping their lives in accordance with their own
aspirations.”
Since the older times, women have been treated as second rate citizens of all across the
globe. The situation is almost the same everywhere-irrespective of the developed country or the
developing country-caste, community, colour or creed a position which is comparable in many
ways, with that of racial minorities. Women have been relegated to secondary position despite
the fact that they numerically constitute about half the world population today. This situation
has caused immense loss to their self-dignity as human beings and also their independent
entities, associated with men, apart from other matter, in context with intellectual and
professional capability.
In the very beginning of civilization, women enjoyed a respectable position in society-at

par with men. They actively participated in social, religious affairs as well as in warfare. The
social, religious ceremonies were considered incomplete unless women participated in them.
However, it was their physical constitution which acted as hurdles on the way to doing their
various different difficult tasks.
Gradually, they became dependent on men for food, protection for their other
necessities. It was due to the strong built-up of men they risked their lives in course of hunting
and food collection. It is really ironical that superiority is not accorded to the fair sex who are
responsible for carrying forward lives on this planet but to men who have muscle power with
the help of which they can subjugate others.
Later, woman became the epitome of procreation, and was very often associated and
identified with Earth, which supported lives with all her resources. This thought inspired in men
a feeling of respect and regard which was reflected in their worship of women as goddesses.
Despite this elevated position that she enjoyed, and are still enjoying in the form of being
worshipped as goddesses Durga, Kali, Lakshami, Saraswati, etc. However, a woman is fated to
be subjected, owned, and exploited like the very nature, whose magical fertility she embodies.
During the course of social development, the position of women also changed. When society
was formed, patriarchy was established. Gradually, males became dominant in society. They
were to write the codes for all times and obviously women were given a subordinate position. A
prominent feature of hegemonic ideologies is the projection of the dominant viewpoint as
universallytrue.
Patriarchy, as an ideological assumption, works on the same principle. And, yet, even in
ages of strict dominance by males, society has thrown up women of caliber, who could match,
even surpass, the skills of men. They made great progress in various fields of life and gained
significant achievements as teachers, doctors, engineers, scientists, explorers, soldiers and
pilots. This achievement is really plausible because they have been achieved in a highly adverse
situation and at the cost of severe social criticism, indeed evenostracism.
The need for women’s empowerment arises from the subordinate position they have
been accorded for a long time. The empowerment has been felt as a tool to bring about changes
in their socio-economic condition. It has been felt on the part of nation

as well as individual that no society can progress till women, a major constituent of society, lag
behind.
Empowerment of women needs to begin with her participation in different spheres of

life. Education is a great determinant in this regard. To achieve empowerment women have to
be educated to be aware of their rights and privileges in a modern society. It is education which
can bring about awareness in them related to their social status, injustice and differentiation
meted out to them. Besides, economic independence is a major factor which can contribute in
empowering women. India in the very beginning realised this need.
The architect of Indian Constitution was of the opinion that unless and until women are
empowered, nothing was going to bring about any change in their destiny. At that time, the
women, in the name of sansakaras were tied up with the bondage of superstitions, which they
had to carry till the last breath of their lives. They were considered just a matter of joy and a
source of amusement. She was, according the Hindu Shashtra, the bonded slave of her father
when she was young, to her husband when she was middle-aged and to her son when a mother.
Of course, all the epigrams, aphorisms, proverbs, platitudes and truism have been naked truth
about the stature of women in India. It does not mean that efforts have not been made to bring
dignity in the life of women. There has been a long tradition of social reforms by our saints and
social reformers which include: Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar,
MahadevGovindRanade, and JyotibaPhule, to name a few, who tried their best to bring changes
in the life of women.
Their efforts, however, bore fruit to some extent, but did not make too much difference to the
lots of the masses. In this direction, Dr. Ambedkar tried to break down the barriers in the way of
advancement of women in India. He laid down the foundation of concrete and sincere efforts by
codifying the Common Civil Code for the Hindus and the principle is capable of extension to
other sections of the Indian society. Besides, he also made provision in the Constitution to
ensure a dignified social status to women. He, by codifying Hindu Law in respect of marriage,
divorce and succession rationalised and restored the dignity of women.
In addition to this, the Sharda Act is also worth mentioning. It has set the seal of
authority upon the piece of social reforms, which the heads of orthodoxy were imposing and
impending. The Hindu Code Bill, which covers issues such as right to property, order of
succession to property, maintenance, marriage, divorce, adoption, minority and guardianship,

constitutes part of social engineering via law. Needless to say, it was a revolutionary measure.
It was really a first step towards the recognition and empowerment of women in India.
This gives a woman right to property, which undoubtedly strengthens her social position.
Despite all these political measures, women’s empowerment remains a distant dream in India.
In fact, political empowerment is a key to development in this society. It is a must for an all-
around development of women. It is the need of the hour to ensure her participation in the
decision-making at home, in community and at the national level. It is for the fulfillment of this
need that the Women’s Reservation Bill was introduced in the Parliament by the BJP
Government. But since then, ruling parties changed in power but the Bill could not see the light
of theday.
The political parties do not seem to be honest in their perspectives. But before political
empowerment, we must concentrate on imparting social education because without academic
and social education, the political empowerment has failed to bring desired result as we have
seen in case of 33 per cent reservation in local bodies ensured by the historic 73rd and 74th
constitutional amendments. The uneducated women are quite unaware of their rights and
privileges and are therefore subject to exploitation at the hands of government machinery, as
well by family members.
The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past
few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient timesthrough the low points of the
medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women
in India has been eventful. In modern India, women have held high offices in India including
that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the LokSabha and Leader of the
Opposition.
As of 2011, the Speaker of the LokSabha and the Leader of the Opposition in the
LokSabha (Lower House of the parliament) were women. However, women in India continue
to face atrocities such as rape, acid throwing, dowry killings, and the forced prostitution of
young girls.[6] For that reason empowerment is thus not merely a change of mind set, but a
visible demonstration of that change which the world around is forced to acknowledge,
respond to and accommodate as best may.

3.3.Empowerment: A Perspective
The word empowerment is widely used in relation to women. Very often it is used as a substitute
for women's welfare, development of women, their political participation in the decision-making
process. But the concept of empowerment is not synonymous to these words. It is something of a
broader concept.
The terminology of empowerment has arisen from the theoretical debates as well as practical
debates especially from the experience of women working at the grassroots level in many parts
of the world. In 1990s when term like 'participation', 'consultation', and 'partnership' began to
enter development thinking, importance of development agencies was shifted to enabling
approach i.e., enabling people to identify and express their needs and priorities. It is in this
context the notion of empowerment has arisen.
Empowerment is process which enables an individual to know about herself/himself, try to get
what she/he wants, have confidence, awareness, mobility, choices, control over resources and
decision-making power. Empowerment helps people to "take more control over their jobs and
work environment; enhance the contribution they make as individuals and members of a team;
and seize opportunities for personal growth and self-fulfilment."
3.4.Indicators of Women's Empowerment
If we say a woman is empowered, how could we recognize or identify her as an empowered

person? We need to have some indicators to identify her as empowered woman. Those indicators
have been classified into qualitative and quantitative indicators.
Qualitative Indicators:
• "Self confidence--understand what she wants, express it and try to get it, feel proud of herself,
having positive self-image, articulation.
• Awareness about health, nutrition, legal rights, political activities, governmentpolicies, and
programmes.
•Less burden of work and more leisure time.
• Changing role and responsibilities within the family.
• Decrease in violence within the family.

Changing attitudes towards tradition and customs like child marriage and dowry.
• Physical mobility-walk freely within village, go to city or town, to banks, post office, go for
shopping, cinema, and exhibition and visit relatives.
• Become member of a women's group or any other people's organization.
• Self-identity-positively.
• Having decision-making power within the family, regarding number of children, education of
children, marriage of children, budgeting of the family, income and purchase or sale of family's
property.
• Changing attitude towards women's participation in politics, and wished to and willingness to
participate in the politics themselves.
• Control over individual and family income.
• Access to resources like land, house, jewellery, etc.
• Access to and have information, knowledge, and skill.
Quantitative Indicators:
• Increase in age at marriage.
• Reduction in fertility rate or number of children.
• Becoming beneficiaries of developmental programmes.
• Visible changes in physical status/nutritional status.
• Improvement in literacy level.
• Becoming members of a political party or local self-government. "
Women of the world should be empowered to take control of all spheres of their lives-
educationally, economically, socially and politically. Illiteracy amongwomen has been an
obstacle for the development and empowerment of women and to achieve gender equality.
Therefore, education is the primary mean for them to acquire knowledge and information, ability
to analyze and assess their situation, improve their health and nutritional status, to take decision
regarding their marriage, number of children, education of their children and to acquire
economic independence. In the economic sphere, lack of control over material resources, lack of
education, skills and training has made women economicallyinsecure; therefore, there is a greater
need for them to have access and control over resources, skill development through training,
savings and credit facilities to bring economic empowerment of women. In the social sphere,
women must be made aware of their rights relating to rape, dowry, female infanticide, wife

beating and other forms of violence against women. This awareness can be created through the
media and Non-Government Organizations (NGO's).
Thus, women's empowerment refers to the process by which women acquire due recognition on par
with men, to participate in the development process of the society through the political institutions as a
partner with human dignity10• Empowerment of women in the lowest level political institutions aims at
enhancing their ability in the decision-making process. It implies their participation beginning from
voting to holding office and thereby share power to effectively influence policy format
3.3.EMPOWERMENT AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of its women - Jawaharlal Nehru
Ever since India got independence, politics in the country has been male dominated. Indian
women are barely present in the political process of the internal organization of political parties.
Even if they get some ranks in any party, their role generally remains confined to women or to
the issues surrounding women. Thus it can be said that the political participation of women in
India is inadequate. Traditionally in India, women were never a part of decision making barring a
few exceptions. These practices are still prevalent in several parts of India. Lack of opportunities
and absence of education are two key factors responsible for their low awareness level. The
Indian women were gifted with the right to vote and contest immediately after independence
(article 326). But constitutional provisions of universal suffrage could not change their status or
mindset and the attitude of our male dominated society.
Political participation is regarded as one of the prerequisites of empowerment of women.

Political Participation has long been acknowledged as a central theme of democratic governance,
where the citizens enjoy the right to participate in governance. In a political structure where
freedom and equality are granted to the people, citizens can engage in political activities, at least
to the extent of voting in elections and even further, they have the option to participate in
political party organization. In other words, political participation in a democracy has got a wide
connotation, which ranges from popular participation in electing representatives to the actual
participation of representatives in the process of governance.
The right to participation is an essential element of democratic government, inseparable from

such others attributes of democracy as consent, accountability, majority rule, equality, and
popular sovereignty. Indeed, the growth of democratic government is in part measured by the

extension of the suffrage and the correlative rights to hold office and so associate for political
purposes. Whereas, traditional monarchies restrict power and participation largely to the nobility
and their agents, democracies have in principle transformed these prerogatives into rights
enjoyed by everyone.
The overall development of a nation requires maximum utilisation of human resources without
any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, religion or sex. But the bitter reality is that
women, who constitute about half of the population of the world have been discriminated against
socially, psychologically, economically and politically with respect to their male counterparts.
How can any nation stake a claim of development if fifty per cent of its population is lagging
behind in every sphere of life? Abraham Lincoln believed that "No nation can move forward if it
is half free and half slave"
'Political participation' refers to those voluntary activities by which members of a society share in
the selection of rules and, directly or indirectly, in the formation of public .policy. The active
forms of participation include formal enrollment in a party, canvassing and registering voters,
speech writing and speech making, working in campaigns, and competing for public and party
office. The term political participation is generally taken to mean electoral participation either by
voting or by contesting elections.
The participation of women in political life is today on the agendas of most of the political
parties in India. However, the transition of this goal to reality has had limited success. For any
such endeavour to be successful, it must be recognized that the equal participation of women and
men in decision-making is a prerequisite for effective democracy. Participation means more than
female membership in political parties, female voter tum out in elections or a token female
presence in political bodies. Participation must be meaningful and effective, and must include
representation in the political arena. This includes not only formal or a high level decision-
making forum, but also other political units: the family, community groups, associations,trade
unions and local bodies. These are crucial areas for intervention within which women can easily
understand the issues and play an effective role 15 . Politics has always remained under the male
domination. Jean Jacques Rousseau, whose ideas inspired the French Revolution, advocated

women's exclusion from politics in 1762. American Declaration of independence also denied
right to equal participation of women in politics. After one century, thinkers like J.S Mill
advocated gender equality in every field including politics. He observed in 1869, "That the
principle which regulates the existing social relations between the two sexes- the legal
subordination of one sex to the other-is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to
human improvement; and that it ought to be replaced by a principle of perfect equality, admitting
no power or privilege on the one side, nor disability on the other"
WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS IN LOK SABHA
It is evident from the above table that women’s participation in the parliament has never gone
beyond and the average representation remained a mere 7.1 per cent. Similarly, in state
assemblies, it has never crossed 10 per cent, though Indian womenfolk had actively participated
in the freedom struggle and other movements for their rights. It is supposed that women’s
participation will clean the politics and bring more transparency in administration. More women
representation would expand areas of cooperation, reduce unnecessary irritants, and develop
reciprocity in goodwill and mutual confidence. Equal participation of women would change the
political face of the globe, and will also open a new vista of co-operation, amity and growth.

3.4.POLITICAL STATUS OF WOMEN

The political status of women in a nation is reflected by the extent of freedom granted to women
to participate in political activity. Article 15 of the Constitution of India guarantees political
equality through the institution of universal adult franchise, a revolutionary departure from the
socio-cultural norms of tradition-bound Indian society and a major step towards political
evolution. However, the right to vote for women can, at best, be a starting point in the struggle
for their political equality. The forces that worked for this revolutionary first step can be traced
back to the 19th century reform movement, when a process was initiated for improving the status
of women. In the beginning, the movement was based on an elitist approach and all efforts in this
direction were concentrated on the acceptance of women’s right to formal education, thereby
improving her status in domestic life then considered to be women’s sole occupation. During this
period, efforts were made to improve women’s rights to property, allow widow remarriage,
abolish child marriage, etc. With the dawn of the 20th century, some progress was observed in
the field of women’s education, leading to heightened awareness among women.
This manifested itself in the emergence of women’s organizations such as the All-India
Women’s Conference, the National Council for Women, etc. In 1917, a demand for women’s
franchise was presented to the British Parliament by a women’s delegation headed by Sarojini
Naidu. The demand for women’s franchise received specific support under the leadership of
Mahatma Gandhi who appraised women’s potential for Satyagraha and for social reconstruction
as higher than that of men. This provided widespread inspiration to women of all sections of
society to join the freedom struggle. As the modern age is characterized by political equality and
casting votes is an individual’s own decision, the Government of India Act of 1935 increased the
number of enfranchised Indians by granting proportional suffrage rights to women relaxing
certain earlier conditions of property and education. With the advent of independence, Indian
women were guaranteed political equality with men. However, it is a general comment that in a
country where large sections of the population are poor and illiterate, social status depends on the
caste hierarchy and women are regarded as inferior to men both physically and intellectually,
political equality is virtually meaningless.
This argument ignores the fact that equal legal and political rights serve as a starting point in the

process of transformation of a society from exploitation to social justice based on increasing

opportunities for women. The participation of women in the political activity of the country has
improved in consonance with the rights conferred on them by the Constitution. Though the
number of women reaching the highest levels is not very high, their capacity and capability in
administrative and organizational matters have been recognized and knowledged. Since 1952,
women have become ministers in the Central Government and even held the prime ministership.
There has been a woman vice-chairman of the RajyaSabha, and there have also been the woman
governors, chief ministers of and speakers and deputy speakers of Assemblies. In proportion to
their overall number in the legislatures, the number of women holding high political office has
been commendably high.
Generally speaking, women legislators have done exceedingly well compared to their male
counterparts. However, although their number in politics has increased and they have made a
mark in problems relating to women, they have had little impact on mainstream political
decisions, probably because, politically, they are not fully mature. Even their approach to
resolving the basic problem of women’s inequality shows sharp contradictions. Thus, despite
their almost equal number in population, Indian women are a minority community in three
aspects, inequality of class based on economic structure, inequality of status on account of their
peculiar social position, as also inequality of political power. These contrasts in the standard of
values and norms of behavior and the objectives of new social order contained in the
Constitution of India still need to be resolved.
The most significant event in the movement for women’s political rights in India has been made
by a delegation of distinguished women led by Mrs.Sarojini Naidu in the British Parliament in
1917. This demand paved the way for a series of concessions to women in India and by 1937
women had acquired not only limited franchise rights, but they could also contest elections to the
legislatures. Furthermore, a policy of reservation of seats for women guaranteed for the first time
the election of a sizeable number of women to different legislatures in 1937. During this period,
the national movement also was at its peak and under the stewardship of Mahatma Gandhi, it
allowed women to play a significant role.
3.5.AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS RESERVATION

Reservation is the indispensable thing of Indian society. Reservation in the Indian law is a form
of affirmative action. The recent change in government policies towards the reservation has
made reservation a most talked subject in the Indian society. Government of India reserved seats
in the Parliament of India, State Legislative assemblies, Union and State civil servants, public
sector units and union state government departments to deprived sections of the society. In the
present chapter an effort has been made to know students attitude towards reservation policy and
built up attitude of the society. Towards to reservation has gone a sea change. In this study, the
researcher contacted a number of persons having different thinking presumptions, assumptions,
attitudes, conceptions towards the reservation and every person explain reservation according to
own view point. In this chapter purpose of the study is to explore different ideas of respondents
towards the reservation system.

3.6.LITERATURE REVIEW:
1. Balwant Raj Mehta (1957), in 1923, for the first time names of women appeared in the
electoral rolls and in 1926, the first women member was nominated to the Indian Legislature.
In 1931 women voiced for universal adult franchise but are said to have opposed reservation,
nomination or co-option for women. In the Independent India, the Constitution guaranteed
women equality in all spheres and left the issue of representation to the state legislatures. The
Central Council of Local Self Government at its third meeting in 1957 decided that the
elected representatives in each block panchayat ‘will co-opt two women who are interested in
work among women and children’.
2. The fourth meeting of the Central Council of Local Self Government in 1958
recommended that approximately half of the total members in panchayats be women if the
panchayats were to be real representative body of the people. The council further suggested
that till that stage is reached at least two seats should be reserved for the women. It was felt
by the council that having two women was preferable compared to a solitary woman.
3. The Committee on the Status of Women in India (CSWI) set up in 1971 to look into the
various aspects of the women’s status, including their political participation, released its
report in 1974. The committee noted the ineffectiveness of the women’s representation in
panchayats and it recommended a statutory separate ‘all women’s panchayats’ at the village
level to ensure greater participation of women in the political process and with adequate
resources for management of their welfare and development programmes especially for rural
women. They would be directly elected by the women of the village and would also have
strong links with the existing PRS as their representatives would be sent to Panchayat Union
Council and District Panchayat Council. The recommendation was not implemented by any
state as the provision was not considered appropriate for it would further segregate women
instead of integrating them into the society. The Committee also recommended system of
reservation for women at the legislative bodies which was opposed by some members of the
committee, representatives of the political parties and women’s organizations as a retrograde
step from the equality conferred by the Constitution.

4. The Ashok Mehta Committee reviewed the PRS in 1978 and recommended that two
women who get the highest number of votes in the elections be made members of
ZillaPanchayat and mandalpanchayats respectively. In case no women came for contesting
elections, two women should be co-opted at these levels. Karnataka, AP and Bengal were the
first states to introduce the policy of reservation for women on recommendation of the Ashok
Mehta Committee. They provided for 25 per cent reservation for women at the
ZillaPanchayat and mandalpanchayat levels
5. The National Perspective Plan in 1988 discussed the issue of underrepresentation of

women at all levels of the PRS. Quoting the experience of successful states, it recommended
30 per cent reservation for women at local bodies. The recommendations and efforts of the
committees and commissions finally materialized when the Union government headed by
Rajiv Gandhi initiated the reservation process by recommending 30 per cent reservation of
seats for women in panchayats at all the three levels, through the 64th Constitution
Amendment Bill in 1989. The issue was taken up by the V.P. Singh government too who
introduced the 72nd Amendment Bill in Parliament. Unfortunately, the Bill did not come up
for discussions at his government had to resign sometimes later. The Congress took up the
issue again when it came back to power in 1991. The Bill was finally introduced as the 73rd
Amendment in 1992 and was ratified by all the states in April, 1993. The amendment
reserved 33 per cent seats for women to come through open elections at all the three levels.
6. Bhargava and others (1992) wrote that it was to improve women’s representation that the
policy of reservation was introduced. According to them, reserving seats for women in the
political institutions will provide them an opportunity to raise their grievances and other
related social and economic problems in a formal forum, a political process necessary to
ensure the improvement for all women in all spheres of life.
7. Devaki Jain (1992) in her analysis of the 73rd constitutional amendment writes that the main
intention of the policy makers behind this reservation is two-fold democratic justice and
resource utilization (human). She further states that as the half of the population is women,
the country development cannot achieve without the proper participation of woman.

8. S Kaushik (1993) “Organizing women for Panchayati Raj”, the recently passed 73rd
Constitution Amendment Act in India focused on political structures and processes of rural
India and vulnerable populations. Participation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions was
questioned in terms of the substance and effectiveness of representation. Rural women were
particularly vulnerable as a group because of strong traditional values maintained in rural
areas, patriarchal families, lack of women's education and access to information, poor
exposure to the "outside" world, and lack of power. Local committees insufficiently
represented women.
9. G. Palanithurai’s (1994) article “Empowerment of Women - A Novel Exercise” is based on

an exercise done in a village with the rural women. This exercise was done before the
enactment of the Tamil Nadu Panchayat Act. In this article, the perception of women of the
institutions involvement development, role of development functionaries and the people has
been analysed.Further the missing link between the people and the government is identified.
It clearly demonstrates to what extent women can take up the responsibilities under the new
dispensation. The capacity level of women has also been highlighted in this article.
10. G. Palanithurai’s (1994) “Empowering people for prosperity: A study in new Panchayati
Raj system” examines the realistic scope for establishing a governing system at grass roots to
deliver services and goods with the active participation of the people. It examiners the
reasons for the establishment of the new Panchayati Raj system. It further analyses the
difficulties involved in the process of establishing the first government at the grassroots. This
book suggests a variety of means to overcome the problems and hardless in the process of
decentralization of power. It analyzes the people’s perception of grassroots democracy. On
the whole it envisages a new economic scenario in the rural areas if decentralization is
perceived properly. In the orbit of governance, it maintains that the establishment of
institutions at the grassroots for governance created a new scenario in the Indian federation.
The likely relationship among the three tiers of governance has been discussed.
11. Sweta Mishra and Prof. S.N.Mishra (1995) “Women and political process in India”,
women’s participation in political process at the grassroots level by means of reservation,
would helps encourage women to participate effectively in state and national political process
in the longer run. The answer is very plain and simple, i.e. yes. Encouraged by the

performance in political process at the grass roots level of their sisters, the educated
courageous and dedicated women will come forward to join and compete with their make
counter parts in state and national politics.
12. PremlataPujari and Vijaya Kumar Kaushik,(1994).The researchers have edited a study of
Women’s Power in three volumes. This study is based on the various essays and research
papers related to the subject of development of women, including collection of citations. The
first part includes the subjects connected with the position of Indian women with reference to
the development of democracy. The last part contains the various activities for the
development of women and the infra-structure for it. This edited work clarifies the present
status of women.
13. Narayan, Usha,(1996).The researcher confirms that the main position of 73rd Constitutional
Amendment involves the participation of women as voter, women as members of political
parties, women as candidates, women elected members of PRI’s taking part in decision
making, planning implementation and evaluation. She stressed that reservation provisions are
priority be a guarantee for their empowerment.
14. Haxel D' Lima's (2001) study in Maharashtra State focuses on the role of women in
Zillaparishad and PanchayatiSamities. She focused on the social background, social
awareness and their outlook of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions. She points out that
majority of them were there because of their husbands and not because of their merit. She
also points out that majority of them were illiterate and were unable to read the agenda items.
She also points out that majority of women were unaware about reservation system She
noticed that feeling of inferiority among women members of panchayats initially. Pointing
out of their economic background she points out 70 percent of women members belonged to
a large land - holding class owning 15 acres of land and more. In conclusion she says that by
the end of the term a majority of women gained self - confidence and social awareness
because of issues discussed in the meetings.

15. Chattopadhyay and Duflo (2004) also explain the Gram Sabha attendance rate, using
information on West Bengal and Rajasthan. In contrast to the study of Ghatak and Ghatak
(2002), Chattopadhyay and Duflo (2004) do not rely on descriptive statistics, but report the
results from cross-section specifications that control for clustering at the GP level. The
respective evidence shows that the reservation of presidential seats for women has a positive
effect on the attendance rate of female citizens in Gram Sabha meetings in West Bengal, but
not in Rajasthan. Inasmuch as Chattopadhyay and Duflo (2004) and Ghatak and Ghatak
(2002) employ data from the same election term for West Bengal, the differences in results
may reflect the study-specific choice of the estimation approach.

CHAPTER IV: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
4.1. Research Methodology

Research methodology is the description, explanation and justification of various methods of
conducting research. This area deals with the research design, sources of data collection,
sampling design, and statistical tools used for the data analysis and interpretation.
4.2. Statement of Problem

Some women are not aware about 33% reservation system in public sector.
This study endeavours to discuss the nature and effectiveness of participation of woman
members in Gram panchayat and the level of awareness of rights and responsibilities
After going through literature review we came to know that some women are not aware about
their rights and reservation.
4.3. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
4.3.1 PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

To understand the awareness level regarding Women Reservation.
4.3.2 SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
To make aware regarding equal access to women to quality education at all levels,
employment, occupational.
4.4. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION:

For this study we will use both primary and secondary data
4.4.1. DATA COLLECTION
 Primary Data: Primary data are those which are collected for the first time and are always
given in the form of row material and original character. These types of data need the
application of statistics methods for the purpose of analysis and interpretation.
The data was collected through following techniques:-

 Through structured questionnaire from sample respondents.

 Discussion made with the Gram Panchayat (Sarpanch) & Gram Sevak.
 Secondary Data :
1. Government Publication
2. Internet
4.5. SAMPLING:
Type: Simple Random Sampling
Source: Questionnaire
Size: 105
The researcher have chosen 105 as sample but after going to the response of the questionnaire we
came to know that there were only 63 respondents who answered the questions and the rest of
the questionnaire were not answered well on which data analysis and interpretation would be
done
Location: Atigre
4.6. STATISTICAL TOOLS

For this study we will use excel, chart, pie chart, and tables.
4.7. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY:

Sample size would have been more than 100 where the members of the sample are selected on
the basis of their convenient accessibility.
The answer to the question can be biased.

CHAPTER V: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
5.1. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Table No. 1:
The table given below shows the marital status of respondents who participated in the survey.
Table No. 5.1 Marital Status-wise Distribution of Respondents
Sr. No. Status No. of Respondent Percentage
1 Married 48 76%
2 Unmarried 15 24%
Total 63 100%
(Source: Field Survey.)
Marital status
24%
Married
Unmarried
76%
Interpretation:
For the above survey the researchers have just considered women as respondent from Atigre.
Where some women were married and some of them were unmarried. It was a great respond of
married women i.e. 76% compared to unmarried ones which were 24%.

Table No. 2:
The table given below shows the distribution of women according to their age.
Table No. 5.2. Age-wise Distribution of Respondents
Sr. No. Age Group No. of Respondent Percentage

1 20 – 25 15 24%
2 25 - 30 19 30%
3 30 - 35 15 24%
4 Above 35 14 22%
Total 63 100%
Age Group
22% 24%
20 – 25
25 - 30
24%
30% 30 - 35
Above 35
Interpretation:
As we come to know from above question number 1 that married women were more so the age
group of 25-30, 30-35, above 35 aggregate are more from 20-25. The age group may tell the
researcher the interest of the respondent about the topic and the way of responding to the
questionnaire. From above pie chart we come to know that the age group of above 35 is
comparatively less than the remaining three age groups.

Table No. 3:
The table given below shows the distribution of women according to their level of
qualification/education.
Table No. 5.3: Education-wise Distribution of Respondents
Sr. No. Education No. of Respondent Percentage

1 Below S.S.C 11 17%
2 S.S.C 24 38%
3 H.S.C 17 27%
4 Graduate 06 10%
5 Post Graduate 05 08%
Total 63 100%
Education
8%
10% Below S.S.C
17%
S.S.C
27% H.S.C
38%
Graduate
Post Graduate
Interpretation
The level of education might describe the interest about knowing new things or reading more
about the Indian economy or any other topic and would have more knowledge about latest
update in nation. As from the above table and pie chart we can see that there are also respondents
who have done the PG and UG but the count is less. As Atigre is a small village the more focus
of women child in village would be on households. But the response of respondent who have
done HSC and SSC is also good so by this researcher can derive that the respondent would have
some or the other knowledge about the topic

PART B- QUESTIONNAIRE ON AWARENESS TO WOMEN ABOUT 33%

RESERVATION
Question 1: “A Women’s place is at home”, do you agree with the statement?
Table No. 5.4.: “A Women’s place is at home” reaction of respondents
Sr. No. Response No. of Respondent Percentage

1 Strongly Agree 8 13%
2 Agree 7 11%
3 Natural 10 16%
4 Disagree 17 27%
5 Strongly disagree 21 33%
Total 63 100%
13%
Strongly Agree
33%
11% Agree
Natural
16% Disagree
Strongly disagree
27%
Interpretation:
The above question tells that the women are meant to do only household stuff. But now in 21st
century it is not true that the women place is only at home so many of the respondent have
strongly disagreed to it. But there are some respondent that agree and strongly agree to the
statement. But it is very important that every women of the society should get the proper
education and should participate in all decisions and even in gram panchayats as we are talking
about the village

Question 2: Are you aware about the reservation bill passed?
Table No. 5.5.: Awareness level of women’s

1 Yes 38 68%
2 No 25 40%
Total 63 100%
40%
Yes
No
68%
Interpretation
As said before the levels of education have big contribution to their interest to participate or to
gain knowledge about different topics. There are approximate 40% of respondent who are not
aware about the women reservation bill. Some of the women participate in panchayats because
of their husbands and after participation also they do not take their own decision but they take
the decision which there husband tells them. It is very important that each and every women
should know about there rights. But it was good to see that there were also respondents who
knew about the reservation bills.

Question 3: As a citizen of India do you think Reservation was necessary?
Table No. 5.6.: Reservation is Necessary reaction of respondents

2 Agree 17 27%
3 Neutral 8 13%
4 Disagree 7 11%
Total 63 100%
6%
11%
43%
13% Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
27%
Strongly disagree
Interpretation
It was necessary to pass such reservation bill for women to avoid gender discrimination and
encourage women to participate more. Women do not participate in gram panchayats due to
various social factors so it was necessary and most of the respondents also think that passing of
such reservation bill was necessary. But there are also respondent who think that it was not
necessary to pass reservation bill because women are meant to do household things only but the
count of such is very low which is approximately 17%.

Question 4: Were any programs taken to create awareness about women reservation bill in
your village?
Table No. 5.7.: any programs taken in village

1 Yes 23 37%
2 No 40 63%
Total 63 100%
37%
Yes
No
63%
Interpretation:
63% denied that there were no programs done to make aware about the reservation. They were
not even aware that there were any programs taken for the awareness of the reservation bill only
37% of women were aware about this. This shows that the message do not reach women. The
communication should be improved

Question 5: Have you taken part in your village panchayat?
Table No. 5.8. : Women’s participation in panchayat

1 Yes 9 14%
2 No 54 86%
Total 63 100%
14%
Yes
No
86%
Interpretation:
In small villages women’s are not allowed to participate this makes the differences and
discriminations and this lead to stop woman participating in the elections of panchayats. And
some of the women participate for their husbands benefit and they do not take their own
decisions also they just do what there husband guides them. There is more percentage of women
who have not taken part in the village panchayat because of various factors like family
responsibility. The participation of women in Atigre village panchyat from the respondent is just
14%. It was also found that some of the women underestimate themselves and they think that
they cannot do it.

Question 6: Do your family support for this?
Table No. 5.9. : Family Support to women

1 Yes 17 27%
2 No 46 73%
Total 63 100%
27%
Yes
No
73%
Interpretation
It is generally belive that women in rural area are not well educated or illiterate, women are also
not aware about their rights and role in the gram panchayat. We also come to know that women
underestimate themselves they think they would not be able to handle these different activities.
Their husbands also thought that they were just to do the household things so they also did not
support them. From above questions we can also see that around 73% denied to this question
because their family do not support to take any active participation in any of the work. Their
mentality is women’s place is at home so they do not support women.

Question 7: If in future you get a chance to participate in elections would you

participate?
Table No. 5.10. : Opinion about participation in election

1 Yes 11 17%
2 No 52 83%
Total 63 100%
17%
Yes
No
83%
Interpretation
Most of the women thought that when they participated in the panchayat they felt that they were
ignored I.e. no one was guiding them well about the functions of panchayat and others think that
they do not have proper knowledge about it.. So most of the respondents said no that they will
not participate in panchayat if they get any future opportunity to participate. But there were
women respondent who wants to participate in panchayat if they get any opportunity but the
count was less i.e. just 17%.

Question 8: Are you satisfied with 33% of reservation?
Table No. 5.11. : Satisfaction level of respondents

1 Strongly Satisfied 29 46%
2 Satisfied 17 27%
3 Neutral 8 13%
4 Dissatisfied 5 08%
5 Strongly Dissatisfied 4 6%
Total 63 100%
6%
8%
Strongly Satisfied
13% Satisfied
46%
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Strongly Dissatisfied
27%
Interpretation:
Generally women respondent consider or think women's reservation bill as a necessary evil to
redress our falling gender ratios. They think it was necessary to pass such bill to incearse the
participation of women in national politics as well as in panchayat. Most of the respondents are
strongly satisfied about the reservation system passed because they got the power to take their
own decisions. But there were some respondent who were unsatisfied will this reservation they
are waiting for 50% of reservation.

Question 9: Reservation has various benefits not only in political area but also in different
fields are you aware about the different areas that reservation benefits?
Table No. 5.12. : Awareness of reservation benefits

1 Yes 18 29%
2 No 45 71%
Total 63 100%
29%
Yes
No
71%
Interpretation
The women reservation bill applies to parliament along with village gram panchayat and Central
Armed Police Forces. In Central Armed Police Forces there were fresh recruitments and had also
relaxed some physical criteria for women. This reservation also applies in government jobs.
More number of people does not know about the other areas of reservation as there is no
awareness in small villages so they are not aware. So the respondents were made aware about
these areas of reservation by the researchers.

Question 10: Have you ever got benefit of reservation in education, employment area?
Table No. 5.13. : Benefit of reservation in education, employment area

1 Yes 12 19%
2 No 51 81%
Total 63 100%
19%
Yes
No
81%
Interpretation
As in the above question we came to know that women respondents were not having the
knowledge about these areas of reservation they were unable to take any benefit. They were only
aware about that the 33% reservation is applicable for gram panchayat. But now they were made
aware by the researchers.

Question 11: Do you think government should take such initiative to build up the
confidence of women?
Table No. 5.14. : Opinion on government steps

2 Agree 22 35%
3 Neutral 05 08%
4 Disagree 2 03%
Total 63 100%
35%
Strongly Agree
Agree
51% Neutral
8% Disagree
Strongly disagree
3%
3%
Interpretation
In today’s world it is important to take effective steps for safety of women and for the rights of
women. So, 51% people strongly agree that government should take some active steps to build
up the confidence in woman that is to make aware about all the power a woman has and how can
it will benefit them. But some of the women respondents disagree to the statement they think that
government has done so much for them and now it’s time for them to take action for their rights
and safety.

Question 12: Government should take initiative to see that such benefit reaches women?
Table No. 5.15. : Opinion on government steps

2 Agree 23 36%
3 Neutral 03 05%
4 Disagree 2 03%
Total 63 100%
36%
5% 3%
0%
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
56%
Interpretation
Government takes various steps for the protection, safety, and rights of women but the
government should also see whether the action taken reaches them properly. The step reaches the
women in the urban areas but government is lacking behind to reach the women in rural area as
per the point of view of respondents. Most of the women in rural area agree that government
should take some more efforts to make them aware about their rights.

Question 13: Do you think it will end gender discrimination?
Table No. 4.16. : Opinion on end gender discrimination

2 Agree 19 30%
3 Neutral 11 18%
4 Disagree 7 11%
Total 63 100%
3%
11%
Strongly Agree
38%
Agree
18%
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
30%
Interpretation
More people strongly agree that this may end up the discrimination as both woman and man will
take decisions independently. 33% of women reservation in parliament of gram panchayat or
government job is the small step taken by the government to remove the gender discrimination.
The women are also provided the same rights and duty as provided to male members of
panchayat. After the application of 33% of reservation women are also taking part in panchayat
and they are taking their own decision regarding problems.

CHATER VI: DATA FINDING
After analysis and interpretation of the data emerged findings are as follows:
a) From survey we come to know that the marries women were more responsive to the
questionnaire but they were not aware about the reservation bill passed by government.
(table no5.1)
b) The education level of respondent tells about the interest of respondent about knowing
new things which are happing around the world and which may benefit them. Here the
level of education is low.(table no. 5.3)
c) It was seen that the attitude of women have changed that they think women are not just
limited to household things they have to participate in different areas.(table no. 5.4)
d) Knowing a little bit of information about the bill most of the respondents agreed that it
was necessary to pass reservation bill for the rights of women. (table no.5.6)
e) It was seen that the communication in the village do not flow properly. The messages of
panchayat do not reach the women.(table no. 5.7)
f) There are approx 86% of women who have not participated in the village panchayat due
to family barriers and social responsibility. (table no.5.8)
g) The women in rural areas cannot participate in panchayat due to family barriers and
responsibility (table no. 5.9).
h) Many of the women in the village don’t want to participate if they get any future
opportunities as they think that they do not have proper knowledge and they will not be
able to handle this.(table no. 5.10)
i) There are only 29% of women respondent who know the different benefits of reservation
in different areas.(table no. 5.11)
j) It was also found that the government initiative do not reach women in rural areas
properly. (table no.5.15)
k) Most of the respondent feel that the reservation bill will in future end the gender
discrimination (table no. 5.16)

CHAPTER VII: RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
7.1. RECOMMENDATION
There are few suggestions for the better involvement of women in Panchayati Raj for the
betterment of herself as well as society:
a) Women should be given education. Education will broaden their outlook and make them
aware of their rights, duties and responsibilities in the society.
b) An important requirement for bringing about empowerment of rural women is to bring about
an attitudinal change in both men and women. The feeling that women are meant for household
activities and bearing children needs to be replaced by a feeling of equal partnership of women
and men.
c) Women should independently join politics, so that they can have a voice in the nation building
and can help the cause women in general
d) Proper utilization of different government policy like National Literacy Mission and Sarva
Shiksha Abhiyan for educating the rural men and women regarding the significance of
Panchayati Raj and empowerment of women. There should be chapters on Panchayati Raj and
Women Empowerment in all the classes at the school level and compulsory questions be set on
these in the examination.
e) The media, both print as well as electronic can play vital role in restructuring the rural society.
It can act as an agent of political socialization for inculcating the values of gender equality and
gender justice.

7.2. CONCLUSION
Swami Vivekananda had said“ That nation which doesn’t respect women will never become
great now and nor will ever in future and in pursuit of making India a great nation, let us work
towards giving women their much deserved status.”
Women in India have made much progress in the past century. After implementation of bill
women got various benefits like: 33 % reservation in Gram Panchayats (Village Assemblies/
Local Self Government) and municipal elections. Women get preferential treatment in education
and jobs. More women participation in politics and society but the women in rural area were not
aware about this so it is important for the government bodies to reach out the women in rural
area and take different program for the awareness about the bill.

BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCE AND WEBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES
QUESTIONNAIRE
“A STUDY ON AWARENESS TO WOMEN ABOUT 33%

RESERVATION IN PUBLIC SECTOR WITH REFERENCE.TO
ATIGRE VILLAGE”
 PART A- General Information about respondent
NAME:
CONTACT NO.:
(PLEASE TICK YOUR CHOICE)
1. Marital Status
Married
Unmarried
2. Age
20 – 25
25 – 30
30 – 35
Above 35
3. Qualification
HSC
SSC
Graduate
Post graduate
Other

PART B- QUESTIONNAIRE ON AWARENESS TO WOMEN ABOUT 33%

RESERVATION
1. “A Women’s place is at home”, do you agree with the statement?

Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
2. Are you aware about the reservation bill passed?

Yes
No
3. As a citizen of India do you think Reservation was necessary?

Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
4. What is your opinion about the bill?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Were any programs taken to create awareness about women reservation bill in your
village?
Yes
No
6. Have you taken part in your village panchayat?

Yes
No
7. Do your family support for this?

Yes
No
8. If in future you get a chance to participate in elections would you participate?

Yes
No
9. Are you satisfied with 33% of reservation?

Strongly Satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Strongly Dissatisfied
10. Reservation has various benefits not only in political area but also in different fields
are you aware about the different areas that reservation benefits?
Yes
No
Area name:

11. Do you think it will end gender discrimination?

Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
12. Have you ever got benefit of reservation in education, employment area?
Yes
No
13. Do you think government should take such initiative to to build up the confidence of
women?
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
14. Government should take initiative to see that such benefits reaches women?
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree

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Sanjay Ghodawat University DSI MMC 608

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION OF STUDY

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CHAPTER II- ABOUT VILLAGE

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Caste wise male female population 2011 – Atigre

Total General Schedule Caste Schedule Tribe Child

Total 3,729 3,046 683 0 392

Male 1,930 1,573 357 0 221

Female 1,799 1,473 326 0 171

Sex Ratio - Females per 1000 Male

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Percentage of working population - Atigre

Worker Main Worker Marginal Worker Non Worker

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CHAPTER III: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE

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3.2. CONCEPT OF WOMENEMPOWERMENT:

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In the very beginning of civilization, women enjoyed a respectable position in society-at

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Empowerment of women needs to begin with her participation in different spheres of

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3.4.Indicators of Women's Empowerment

If we say a woman is empowered, how could we recognize or identify her as an empowered

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3.3.EMPOWERMENT AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Political participation is regarded as one of the prerequisites of empowerment of women.

The right to participation is an essential element of democratic government, inseparable from

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WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS IN LOK SABHA

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3.4.POLITICAL STATUS OF WOMEN

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process of transformation of a society from exploitation to social justice based on increasing

3.5.AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS RESERVATION

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5. The National Perspective Plan in 1988 discussed the issue of underrepresentation of

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9. G. Palanithurai’s (1994) article “Empowerment of Women - A Novel Exercise” is based on

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CHAPTER IV: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

4.1. Research Methodology

4.2. Statement of Problem

4.3. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

4.3.1 PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

4.3.2 SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

4.4. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION: