Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan for Capacity Building of Women Elected Representatives of PRIs Launched

The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan has been launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to empower Women Elected Representatives (WERs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This initiative is crucial for enhancing gender-sensitive governance, a key aspect of UPSC GS Paper 2. Last Updated: 2025-03-07

Key Facts About Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan

• Initiative Name: Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan.
• Objective: Enhance gender-sensitive governance at grassroots.
• Focus: Strengthening leadership skills of Women Elected Representatives (WERs).
• Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats: Establish at least one in each district.
• Gender Violence Mitigation: Guide introduced for addressing gender-based violence.
• Representation: Over 1.4 million women elected in PRIs.
• Significant States: Bihar with over 50% women representation.
• Elimination of Mukhiya Pati Culture: Ensure independent authority of WERs.
• Launch Event: Held in New Delhi with over 1,200 women leaders.
• Key Attendees: Union Ministers and dignitaries.
• Women's Role: Emphasized in transforming rural governance.
• Investment Areas: Health, education, and economic stability highlighted.
• Training Modules: Specialized training for Women Elected Representatives launched.
• Recognition: Outstanding women leaders in rural governance acknowledged.
• Goal: Empower women for a just and equitable society.

India's Rural Governance Transformation

The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan is pivotal in transforming rural governance by empowering women at the grassroots level. It aligns with India's strategic goals of inclusive development and gender equality, contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of rural areas. With over 1.4 million women in PRIs, India sets a benchmark in women's political participation, surpassing many global counterparts.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Focuses on the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.
• National Rural Health Mission: Aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to rural populations.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Provides affordable housing to the urban poor with a focus on women.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations.
• Prelims Angle: Questions on the initiative's objectives, key features, and representation statistics.
• Mains Angle: Analytical themes on gender-sensitive governance and rural empowerment.
• Essay Paper: Topics on women's empowerment and rural development.

FAQ Section

• What is Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan?

  Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan is an initiative by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to empower Women Elected Representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions, focusing on enhancing gender-sensitive governance.

• Why is Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan important?

  This initiative is crucial for promoting active participation of women in local governance, aiming to establish at least one model women-friendly Gram Panchayat in each district.

• What are the key features of Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan?

  Key features include leadership training for WERs, elimination of Mukhiya Pati culture, and addressing gender-based violence, with over 1.4 million women represented in PRIs.