Strengthening Women Participation in Rural Administration: Insights from PRI Representatives in Bahanaga Block, Odisha

Author(s)	Mr. Paban Kumar Moharana
Country	India
Abstract	This study examines the evolving role of women in rural governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Bahanaga Block, Balasore District, Odisha, following the implementation of 50% reservation for women. It assesses the socio-economic background, land ownership status, and prior political exposure of elected women PRI representatives, alongside their awareness of institutional responsibilities. The research also explores perceptions of self-employment, electoral participation, and political campaigning as indicators of empowerment. Using a multistage purposive sampling technique, four Gram Panchayats—Saud, Nuapur, Khantapada, and Bahanaga—were selected to ensure spatial and contextual representation. Primary data from 40 respondents, supported by secondary sources, provide insights into the enabling and constraining factors affecting women’s entry and performance in PRIs. The findings highlight structural supports and persistent barriers shaping women’s agency, contributing to broader debates on inclusive leadership and bottom-up governance in rural India.
Keywords	Women’s Participation, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Reservation Policy, Empowerment, Grassroots Governance, Bottom-up Governance
Field	Sociology > Politics
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-12-07
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.62848

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