‘The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.’ Comment.

The 73rd & 74th Amendment is called a silent revolution, and Article 243D is said to be the most revolutionary provision which provides for the reservation of one-third of the seats for women in local bodies.

Why reservation has had little impact on patriarchal character is evident in following points:

● Leadership issues: The Society, which is controlled and dominated by patriarchal values, recognizing the legitimacy of male domination over social resources, means of production, land and labour etc., turns the gender relation into a scenario of domination and subordination.

● The practice of Sarpanchpatis: The effective political power and decision making are wielded by husbands or other male relatives of elected women representatives.

● The violent nature of politics also has a negative impact on women’s political participation.

● Education and women’s status: The low educational background impedes their effective participation.

● Caste System: Hierarchical caste system in rural India makes it difficult for women from SC and ST communities to function independently and effectively. 

However, it can’t be denied that Reservation has empowered women:

1. Participation in rural development: Women are actively participating in rural development as per their capacity right from labourers to policy- makers.

2. Participation in decision-making: The participation of women as elected as well as non-elected members are rising due to reservation for women. It acts as a pull factor for women to participate in meetings. They give their suggestions for various works and problems faced by them.

3. Agent of social revolution: Women are acting as an agent of change in the society and raising voice against injustice and atrocities.

4. Reducing corruption and violence: Due to women representatives, the nexus of officers and male elected representatives are breaking, which has a direct impact on reducing corruption. The role of local muscle power has substantially reduced due to active participation and awareness of women about their rights

and power.

In order to see effective results of all the efforts of constitutional and governmental efforts towards women empowerment and their increased participation in the political sphere for a more inclusive social order, there is a need to address the several structural and institutional deficiencies which result in the limited success of the objective for reservation to women.