The socially disadvantaged groups like women, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have been given reservation for various posts in the local government of rural India according to the proportion of their population. One- third of all positions in panchayats are reserved for women while Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have seats reserved as per the proportion to their population. States can also provide reservation to Other Backward Classes if they think it is necessary.
This has changed the profile of the leadership at the village level by transferring the leadership from the earlier dominant social groups to groups that were previously unable to have a say in the decision-making process. There is now a greater representation of all social groups in the panchayat institutions. Thus, more women and people belonging to Scheduled Castes and Tribes are now able to play important role in decisions that can bring benefits for their community.