International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Political Empowerment of Rural Women through Panchayati Raj: A Karnataka Perspective

Author(s) Dr. Shivarudrappa H S
Country India
Abstract Karnataka has been a pioneer in democratic decentralization and women's participation in local governance. Even before the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992), Karnataka introduced reservations for women in local bodies through the Karnataka Zilla Parishads, Taluk Panchayat Samitis, Mandal Panchayats and Nyaya Panchayats Act, 1983. Today, Karnataka reserves 50% of seats for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), resulting in women holding more than half of Gram Panchayat seats. According to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, women occupied 53.48% of local government (Gram Panchayat) seats in Karnataka in 2025, exceeding the national average of 51.60%. This paper examines the extent of political empowerment achieved by women in Karnataka's rural Panchayats and analyses the socio-economic, institutional, and cultural barriers that continue to affect their effective participation. Based on secondary data from government reports, scholarly literature, and policy documents, the study finds that although Karnataka has achieved remarkable progress in women's representation, challenges such as proxy leadership, inadequate administrative training, patriarchal attitudes, and financial dependence continue to limit substantive political empowerment. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening women's leadership and improving the quality of grassroots democracy.
Keywords Women Empowerment, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Karnataka, Rural Governance, Political Participation, Decentralization.
Field Arts
Published In Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On 2026-08-08
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.85398
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