WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION AND DECENTRALISED GOVERNANCE BY DR. BHAVANA SINGH [HARDCOVEFR]

In democratic government human rights are the fundamental principles. India is a biggest democratic nation within the world where people have the ultimate sources of power. It includes the political rights for both men and women. Women’s equal participation in politics and the decision-making process is very necessary for sustaining the democracy of a country. Women constitute half of the world’s population and without their active participation achieving and sustaining the democratic government is impossible. Women’s participation in democratic governance is an important element in building a democracy and ensuring open, transparent and accountable decision making processes. This is essential for achieving gender equality in society. Traditionally women were facing many obstacles for their political participation. Women’s involvement in the election process is necessary for eradicating the social barriers. Nowadays women are active participant and campaign activists,just like men. Through the process of liberalization, globalization and privatization India enter into the globalized world. For the development of society
the decentralization process became necessary. India was adopted democratic decentralization for women withgiving them 33 percent reservation which increasestheir participation in the political process. In 1992, the 73rd constitutional amendment was passed which established three tier system of governance such as gram sabha,
panchayatsamiti and zillaparishad. Gram sabha brought democracy at doorstep which reserve a minimum of one third of seats for women.