• Dr. I.S. Kishore Mathew Arnold

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 represented a key advancement in Indian democracy by establishing Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and requiring the reservation of seats for women in local governance. This significant reform allowed millions of women, particularly from rural and marginalised backgrounds, to participate in the political sphere. Notwithstanding the progressive framework, female panchayat members have numerous hurdles that impede their effective participation and leadership. The obstacles encompass socio-cultural restrictions, insufficient education and training, patriarchal dominance, proxy representation by male relatives, and systemic deficiencies within the local governance framework. This paper examines the various obstacles hindering the complete empowerment of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and advocates for a comprehensive strategy that includes policy reforms, capacity building, and gender-sensitive governance practices to enhance grassroots democracy.

Women Empowerment, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Gender and Governance, Political Participation, Sarpanch Pati Phenomenon, Decentralization

"Empowered yet Encumbered: Challenges Facing Women Panchayat Members in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.j605-j609, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2503975.pdf

"Empowered yet Encumbered: Challenges Facing Women Panchayat Members in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. ppj605-j609, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2503975.pdf