NHRC Takes Action Against Proxy Governance in Local Bodies

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued conditional summons to officials of Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies in 32 states and Union territories for failing to respond to concerns about 'proxy governance'. The case highlights practices where male relatives assume power behind female elected officials, undermining women's political empowerment.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued conditional summons to senior officials of Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies in 24 states and eight Union territories. These regions failed to respond to a prior notice concerning allegations of 'proxy governance' within local governance institutions.

The matter traces back to a complaint by Sushil Verma, an ex-member of the Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Verma argued that many elected women representatives are merely figureheads, with real authority exercised by husbands or male relatives, a practice often termed 'Sarpanch Pati'. The NHRC termed this practice unconstitutional and harmful to women's political representation.

Non-compliance with the NHRC's directives may lead to further legal actions. The NHRC emphasized that women's reserved posts should entail true empowerment and leadership, and not just symbolic representation. Personal appearances before the Commission on December 30 have been mandated unless the requisite reports are submitted by December 22.

(With inputs from agencies.)