Sir,
This has reference to the news item ‘Govt orders 33 percent reservation for women in Sarpanch seats’ DE Jan 15, 2017.
The decision of the State Government to grant 33 percent reservation to women in Sarpanch seats will go a long way in not only empowering women, but will also strengthen PRIs in the State. The step needs to be appreciated by all walks of life in the State.
It may be mentioned here that many women Sarpanchs in other parts of the country have done a remarkable job in strengthening Panchayats. They have been successful in bringing socio-economic changes in their repective areas. Though women Panchs and Sarpanchs have faced still opposition and harassment from their male colleagues, society and bureaucrats, they have emerged victorious most of the times. They have faced these challenges with courage and conviction. They have proved that they cannot be brow beaten while taking part in development process. Gone are the days when illiterate women would take part in Panchayat and were considered a burden. Now, things have changed drastically. Young educated women are at the helm of affairs. They have really done a commendable job. Same is expected from the women Sarpanchs in this State.
Yours etc..
Sunita Sharma
Udhampur