
Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0: Empowering Women in Governance
Why in News?
- Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0 Programme was inaugurated on 6th January 2025 by the Lok Sabha Speaker to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda.
- This event saw the participation of 502 elected women representatives from Scheduled Tribes (STs) across India.
Key Highlights of Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0
- Programme Objective:
- Aimed at creating awareness and empowering elected women representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies (ULBs).
- Focuses on imparting knowledge about constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, and governance practices.
- Organisers:
- Jointly organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
- Supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Key Features of the Programme:
- Includes interactive workshops conducted by subject experts and Members of Parliament (MPs).
- Guided tours to important landmarks, such as:
- New Parliament House
- Samvidhan Sadan
- Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Historical Context:
- Panchayat Se Parliament Tak 1.0 was successfully conducted in January 2024 with participation from over 500 elected representatives.
Significance of Women’s Reservation Acts
- 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992 and 1993):
- These amendments introduced provisions for women’s reservation in PRIs and ULBs.
- Ensured 33% reservation for women in elected bodies at the grassroots level.
- 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023:
- Enhanced the reservation for women to 50% in PRIs and ULBs, ensuring greater representation.
Who Was Birsa Munda?
- Birsa Munda’s Legacy:
- A renowned tribal leader who spearheaded the Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan).
- Advocated for the rights of tribal communities against exploitation by colonial powers and landlords.
- His birth anniversary is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor his contribution to tribal empowerment.
Key Terms and Related Facts:
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):
- These are rural local government bodies established under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
- PRIs play a crucial role in grassroots governance.
- Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):
- Governed under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1993, ULBs manage urban areas and ensure local governance in cities and towns.
- National Commission for Women (NCW):
- A statutory body established in 1992 to promote and protect the rights of women in India.
- Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan):
- A significant tribal uprising led by Birsa Munda against the British colonial regime and oppressive landlords in the late 19th century.
- Janjatiya Gaurav Divas:
- Celebrated annually to honor the contributions of tribal leaders and communities in India’s freedom struggle.
Conclusion
The Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0 programme underscores India’s commitment to empowering women in governance, particularly from tribal communities. By equipping elected women representatives with essential knowledge and skills, this initiative aims to foster their active participation in democratic processes and governance. The programme’s alignment with Birsa Munda’s vision of self-reliance and empowerment makes it a fitting tribute to his legacy.
This initiative is crucial for addressing gender disparities and ensuring inclusive development, thereby strengthening the foundations of India’s democracy.