The Indian society has been based on traditions that are centred around the women in the family. Despite their crucial role and contribution for the sustenance and survival of the society, women have been neglected and suppressed. However, owing to numerous efforts by the civil society, the position and status of women has been changing rapidly in post-independent India. This has been made possible through the provisions of the Constitution and consistent efforts of social reformers and leaders of social justice. It has gained momentum especially after the provision of 33     per cent reservation for women in Panchayat Raj and Municipal Administration through 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Indian Constitution.

As a result, women have entered into public domain at grass-roots governance and their contribution is gaining importance. Despite the increased participation of women leaders in Panchayat Raj, their leadership has not been as effective as expected due to several socio-economic and cultural factors. 

This study attempts to understand the role of women leaders in grass-roots governance, i.e. Panchayat Raj. Further, it also examines the relationship between social background and awareness of elected women leaders and their perception of the problems of participation and aptitude for performance at grass-roots governance, especially in rural Telangana.

1.   Introduction

2.   Methodology

3.   Socio-Economic Background of the Respondents

4.   Awareness of Emerging Women Leaders in Grass-roots Governance

5.   Political Aptitude and Aspirations of Women

6.   Perception and Process of Participation of Women

7.   Problems and Performance of Women in Grass-roots Governance

8.   Findings and Conclusions

G. Satyanarayana, former Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, served the university for over 35 years in various capacities like Professor, Head and Chairman, BoS, Department of Sociology and Principal, University College of Arts and Social Sciences. He also held several important administrative positions in the government such as Member, 

A.P. College Service Commission and Member, State Minimum Wages Advisory Board. His areas of research include factions and conflict studies, social movements, women studies, sociology of education, agrarian crisis and farmers’ suicides and development studies. He has visited Spain, West Germany, China, Thailand, Sweden, France, South Africa, Kenya, Canada and the USA to chair and present papers in various international conferences. His published works include Changing Agrarian Structure and Labour Relations, Development: Displacement and Rehabilitation, and Voluntary Effort and Rural Development.