Empowering Women in Panchayati Raj: Breaking the 'Sarpanch Pati' Tradition

Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh stressed the importance of women panchayat representatives understanding their roles and leveraging their constitutional powers. Highlighting the 'sarpanch pati' system where husbands wield power, Singh cited Kamala Harris as an example of women's potential in politics. He encourages women to aim for higher political offices.

Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized on Wednesday the need for women panchayat representatives to fully grasp the authority vested in them. Referencing US Vice President Kamala Harris, Singh underscored the potential impact of women in leadership roles.

Singh addressed the 'sarpanch pati' system, a prevalent practice where the husbands of elected women 'sarpanches' exert the actual power. Speaking to around 400 elected women representatives at the Red Fort, he said women must understand their significant role in grassroots governance.

Encouraging them to participate in higher political contests, Singh remarked that the exclusion of half of the population is detrimental to national progress. He also praised states like Bihar for reserving 50% of panchayat seats for women, emphasizing the importance of their representation in democracy.

(With inputs from agencies.)