This research paper analyzes women's participation in the Panchayati Raj system of local self-government in West Bengal, India. The researcher conducted secondary research to examine two key government policies - decentralization of governance and land reforms - that have empowered women. The findings show that women self-help groups have encouraged women to participate in politics. Since 1993, a one-third reservation for women has been in place for municipal bodies. While women's representation has increased, particularly for marginalized groups, their attendance at panchayat sessions remains inconsistent. The conclusion is that with more training, most women will continue to successfully serve as community leaders.

1. PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN
PANCHAYATI RAJ SYSTEM IN
WEST BENGAL
Saptadip Nandi Chowdhury
Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, Mumbai

2. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research paper is to analyze the
participation of women in Panchayati Raj system of West
Bengal.

3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• What are the two distinctive features of the government
policies in West Bengal?
• What is the status of women representation in Panchayati
Raj Institution of West Bengal?

4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This research paper was done with the help of the secondary sources
available which means that it is based on the pre-existing information
known as primary data. In secondary research, the primary data is properly
analyzed and integrated with various other data to produce a new data
called the secondary data. Secondary/doctrinal research is widely used by
researchers around the globe because it is less time consuming and
convenient.

5. FINDINGS
 Decentralization of governance and land reforms were the two distinctive features
of the policies of the government of West Bengal that has added to the upliftment
of women.
 Women self help groups have played an important role in uplifting the women and
thereby encouraging them to participate in politics.
 Since 1993, Women were given a one-third reservation in Municipalities, Notified
Areas, and Municipal Corporations.
 Participation of women from marginalized groups such as scheduled castes (SC)
and scheduled tribes have increased.
 Despite an increase in the participation, their attendance in panchayat session
remains inconsistent.

6. CONCLUSION
With more knowledge among women in the PRIs and increased emphasis on
suitable training for this group from government and non-government
entities, there is no question that the majority of them will continue to use
their inherent skills as successful community leaders. It is important to note
that creating political spaces for women is not a goal in and of itself, but
rather a necessary step toward a more equal polity and society.

7. REFERENCE(S)
 West Bengal Commission for Women (WBCW), Voice of Women, March (2001).
 Government of India. 2001, A Statistical Profile of Women in India -1997, pp.5.

8. THANK YOU!