National Workshop on Women Leadership in Panchayats Highlights Empowerment and Innovation at Grassroots Level

Shri Vivek Bharadwaj delivered a keynote address highlighting the essential role of women in local governance and public service.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj hosted a significant National Workshop on Leadership by Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, marking a milestone in empowering women leaders at the grassroots level. Held in the lead-up to the 78th Independence Day celebrations, the event welcomed approximately 400 Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) and Elected Representatives (ERs) of PRIs.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Kiran Bedi, Former Lt. Governor of Puducherry and Founder of Navjyoti India Foundation, along with Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Special Secretary, and Smt. Mamta Varma and Shri Vikas Anand, Joint Secretaries of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The event was attended by senior government officials, including EWRs and their spouses, as well as officers from the Government of India and State Governments.

Dr. Kiran Bedi delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the transformative power of women leaders in Panchayats and their crucial role in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). She encouraged Panchayat representatives to stay informed about government schemes and engage actively with their communities to drive local development.

Shri Vivek Bharadwaj delivered a keynote address highlighting the essential role of women in local governance and public service. He praised the increasing participation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, attributing this to the Prime Minister’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative. Shri Bharadwaj emphasized that the empowerment of women is vital for realizing an AtmaNirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and a Viksit Bharat. He also called for an end to practices like “Sarpanch Pati” or “Pradhan Pati,” urging representatives to make independent decisions.

Shri Bharadwaj lauded the Government of India's initiative to invite elected representatives to national events such as Independence Day and Republic Day, noting that it has generated enthusiasm and recognition for Panchayat leadership. He stressed that the development of Panchayats is synonymous with national progress.

Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar extended his best wishes to the attendees and emphasized the importance of women’s participation in Panchayats for achieving national development goals. He highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to share best practices and create effective leadership that fosters grassroots development.

The panel session on "Challenges and Opportunities before Women Leadership in Panchayats" featured contributions from Smt. Uma Mahadevan, Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka; Ms. Teresy Vanlalhruaii, Secretary of Mizoram; Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph, Principal Secretary of Kerala; Smt. Pravinaben Sanjaybhai Rangani, President of Rajkot District Panchayat, Gujarat; Smt. Rekha Devi, Mukhiya of Bihar; and Smt. Sanyogita Singh Chauhan, Gram Pradhan of Uttar Pradesh.

The visit to the National Capital included a tour of the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya (PM Museum) and participation in the main Independence Day function at Red Fort. The event concluded with a Lunch Function at DAIC, New Delhi, attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

The workshop was live-webcasted on the Ministry’s YouTube channel and social media pages, including NIC Webcast and various platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.