A Study of the Women Participation in the Panchayat Raj Institutes: With Special References to Mahabubnagar District, Telangana

Abstract

Women's autonomy and women's participation in grass-roots governance has already been thoroughly researched. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of focus on the bottom-line reality behind the theoretical concept. This study looked at women's participation in three-tier PRIs in impoverished places like Mahabubnagar District and Telangana. This study also aims to investigate women's expertise, mindset, and commitment in the decision-making process in PRIs and the characteristics of participation, and the reality of women's active cooperation. This research employed a random sample of 256 women from Mahabubnagar rural areas. The results show a substantial difference between reality on the ground and popular perceptions about women's political participation at the grassroots level. There have been several encouraging signs of women's political and social equality, but they have not yet achieved the level of fulfillment that many would like to think. Women's empowerment and active participation should be more effective when the micro-geographical setting is favorable.