Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan, Objectives, Significance and Impact

The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan is a nationwide capacity-building initiative launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to empower Women Elected Representatives (WERs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This initiative aims to strengthen women’s leadership in rural governance by enhancing their decision-making skills and increasing their active participation in policy and governance at the grassroots level.

Objectives of Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan

The initiative is designed to achieve the following key goals:

1. Strengthening Leadership Skills – Women representatives often face challenges such as lack of training, awareness, and confidence in governance roles. The program aims to equip them with essential leadership and administrative skills to perform their roles effectively.
2. Enhancing Women’s Participation – Despite 33% reservation for women in PRIs, their participation in decision-making remains limited. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap by providing mentorship and training, ensuring that women take active leadership roles rather than being nominal heads.
3. Encouraging Policy and Governance Engagement – The program aims to increase the involvement of WERs in local governance, helping them shape rural development policies and ensure better implementation of government schemes.

Significance of the Initiative

The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan holds immense significance as it is the first-ever national gathering of Women Elected Representatives (WERs) from all three tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions:

1. Gram Panchayats (village level)
2. Block Panchayats (intermediate level)
3. Zilla Panchayats (district level)

This initiative provides a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges, and best practices, enabling cross-learning and collaboration. It also seeks to reduce the influence of proxy representation, where elected women are often controlled by male family members, ensuring that they exercise real authority.

Impact on Rural Governance

1. Better Implementation of Government Schemes – Empowered women leaders can ensure efficient execution of schemes related to health, education, sanitation, and social welfare.
2. Improved Gender Equality – Increased participation of women in PRIs promotes gender-sensitive policymaking and a more inclusive development approach.
3. Economic and Social Development – Stronger women leadership leads to better community development, resource management, and enhanced welfare programs.

Conclusion

The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan is a transformative initiative that seeks to empower women leaders in rural India. By providing them with the necessary skills, confidence, and platforms for engagement, this program strengthens grassroots democracy, promotes gender equality, and enhances the overall effectiveness of local governance.