Efficiency and Challenges of Women Leadership in Panchayati Raj Institutions: A Study of Kashmir Valley

ABSTRACT Political participation is crucial for the empowerment of women. By becoming politically empowered, women gain equal standing in society, and their involvement in politics strengthens democracy. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment of the Indian Constitution introduced seat reservations for women, sparking new hopes. This amendment has set the entire country on a path toward enabling local bodies to tackle new challenges. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the roles, performance, and challenges faced by elected women representatives in Panchayats across Anantnag and Ganderbal districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Through an examination of their awareness, functions, achievements, and constraints, this study highlights significant differences in their effectiveness and engagement with local governance. The findings reveal a notable disparity between the two districts. In Anantnag, elected women show a higher level of awareness about Panchayat functions, actively participate in diverse roles, and achieve notable successes in infrastructure development and public services. Conversely, Ganderbal's representatives exhibit lower levels of awareness, involvement, and achievement, facing more significant challenges in fulfilling their roles. Key challenges identified include low educational qualifications, sociocultural beliefs, and household responsibilities. Additionally, while political violence is a notable issue in Anantnag, Ganderbal representatives experience different constraints such as high poverty rates and inexperience. To address these disparities, the paper proposes several recommendations for policymakers, including enhanced training programs, educational support, awareness campaigns, and equitable resource distribution. By addressing these areas, the effectiveness of elected women representatives can be improved, fostering more inclusive and effective local governance in both districts.