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@article{184091,
        author = {Sanjoy Das},
        title = {Women in Grassroots Governance: A Comparative Study of Shyambazar and Raghubati Gram Panchayats},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {4},
        pages = {196-205},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=184091},
        abstract = {Women’s participation in grassroots governance has been a central feature of India’s democratic decentralization since the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which mandated reservations for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). While reservations have increased numerical representation, the quality and effectiveness of women’s leadership often vary across regions and communities. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of Shyambazar and Raghubati Gram Panchayats in West Bengal, focusing on the extent, nature, and challenges of women’s participation in local self-government.
Using a mixed-method approach, the research draws on structured surveys, interviews with elected women representatives, and Panchayat records to assess decision-making roles, developmental contributions, and institutional support. Findings reveal that while women in both Panchayats are actively engaged in areas such as education, health, and welfare programs, their experiences diverge significantly due to socio-economic conditions, educational backgrounds, and community support structures. Women in Shyambazar demonstrate comparatively higher levels of autonomy, exposure, and effectiveness in governance, whereas in Raghubati, patriarchal norms, limited training, and economic constraints often restrict meaningful participation.
The study concludes that reservations alone are insufficient for ensuring empowerment. Effective leadership requires capacity-building, financial independence, institutional mentoring, and community sensitization. By highlighting the differences between Shyambazar and Raghubati, this paper underscores the importance of context-specific interventions in strengthening women’s agency in grassroots governance.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {September},
        }