State Responsibility and Central Support
While Panchayats fall under the State List of the Constitution, the Centre has played a pivotal role in capacity building. Through the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), launched in FY 2022–23, the Ministry has trained over 28.6 lakh Women Elected Representatives (WERs) across India as of December 2025. These trainings include basic orientation, thematic modules, and Panchayat development planning.
Specialized Training for Women Leaders
To further empower women in leadership roles, the Ministry introduced the “Shashkta Panchayat Netri Abhiyan”, a specialized training module focused on governance, communication, decision-making, and leadership skills. As of December 2025, 64,863 WERs have completed this module, marking a significant step toward real autonomy for women in PRIs.
Judicial Intervention and Advisory Committee
Following directions from the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Ministry constituted an Advisory Committee in September 2023 to examine the issue of proxy representation. Chaired by former Mines Secretary Shri Sushil Kumar, the committee submitted its report in February 2025, which has since been accepted by the Ministry.
The report highlights the prevalence of “Pradhan Pati” culture—where husbands or male relatives act as de facto decision-makers—and recommends a multi-pronged strategy to dismantle this regressive practice.
Key Recommendations
- Legal safeguards to prevent proxy leadership
- Appointment of women ombudspersons at the state level
- Mandatory public oath-taking ceremonies for elected women
- Mentorship programs led by senior women leaders
- Social audits to ensure transparency and accountability
- Penal provisions for violations
These measures aim to ensure that elected women representatives exercise their roles independently and effectively, without interference from family members.
Formation of Task Force
Recognizing the urgency of the issue, the Ministry constituted a Task Force on 17 April 2025 to oversee implementation of the Advisory Committee’s recommendations. The Task Force is expected to coordinate with State Governments to institutionalize reforms and monitor progress.
Looking Ahead
The Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on 11 February 2026, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women in PRIs. The Ministry’s multi-tiered approach combining training, legal reform, and institutional oversight signals a transformative shift in rural governance.
As India moves toward inclusive and accountable local governance, the real empowerment of women leaders in Panchayats will be a cornerstone of democratic progress.
