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The decision taken by the Union Cabinet to reserve 50% seats for women in rural Panchayats has been welcomed warmly by the National Commission of Women on Thursday.
"We are delighted," NCW chairperson Girija Vyas told the reporters in New Delhi.
The amendment to the article 243 D of the constitution, which is to increase the reservation for women in rural panchayats from the existing 33% to 50%, has been approved by the Union Cabinet during the meeting which was held on Thursday. Now the women will hold 50% of the Panchayat seats by means of direct election.
"Women face discrimination from the home to parliament. They have to be made equal partners in decision-making," she said.
Vyas admitted that there were women elected to the panchayats who were often proxies for their male relatives.
"It is true that in the beginning there are some women panchayat leaders who are a front for their husbands. They are about 10 percent, but with this new move, even this number will come down," she said.
A proposed legislation for the purpose is expected to come up in the winter session of parliament.
