DECISION-MAKING CAPACITY AND LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS OF BACKWARD CLASS WOMEN IN PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS

G A NARASIMHA RAJU

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.80962

DECISION-MAKING CAPACITY AND LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS OF BACKWARD CLASS WOMEN IN PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS

Author(s)	G A NARASIMHA RAJU
Country	India
Abstract	The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act has significantly transformed the structure of local self-governance in India by promoting democratic decentralization and ensuring political representation for women and marginalized communities. Among its notable achievements has been the increased participation of Backward Class (BC) women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). However, political representation alone does not guarantee effective governance. The present study examines the decision-making capacity and leadership effectiveness of BC women representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions in rural Andhra Pradesh, with special reference to West Godavari District. The study is based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 150 elected BC women representatives through a structured interview schedule. Secondary data were obtained from government reports, books, journals, and official records relating to Panchayati Raj governance and women’s political participation. Statistical tools such as percentage analysis, Chi-Square test, and One-Way ANOVA were employed to analyze the data. The findings reveal that a majority of BC women representatives actively participate in governance activities and decision-making processes. Educational attainment and political experience were found to have a significant influence on leadership effectiveness and governance performance. The study further indicates that participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions has enhanced the confidence, leadership skills, and administrative capabilities of BC women. However, challenges such as patriarchal interference, inadequate training, and financial constraints continue to affect their effectiveness. The study concludes that BC women have emerged as important actors in grassroots governance and rural development. Strengthening institutional support, leadership training, and capacity-building programmes can further enhance their contribution to democratic governance.
Keywords	Panchayati Raj Institutions, Backward Class Women, Leadership Effectiveness, Decision-Making Capacity, Democratic Decentralization, Rural Governance, Andhra Pradesh.
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-06-07
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.80962

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DECISION-MAKING CAPACITY AND LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS OF BACKWARD CLASS WOMEN IN PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS

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