Lok Sabha Question No. 3953 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Participation of Women Representatives in Workshop
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Bunty Vivek Sahu, Shri Jashubhai Bhilubhai Rathva, Shri Dileshwar Kamait, Shri Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind, Shri Anoop Pradhan Valmiki, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Shri Mukesh Rajput, Smt. Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

## GOVERNMENTOF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3953

ANSWERED ON 25/03/2025

## PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN REPRESENTATIVES IN WORKSHOP

## 3953. SHRI JASHUBHAIBHILUBHAI RATHVA:

DR. VINOD KUMAR BIND:

SMT. POONAMBENHEMATBHAIMAADAM:

SHRI ANOOP PRADHAN VALMIKI:

SHRI DILESHWARKAMAIT:

SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI:

SHRI BUNTY VIVEK SAHU:

SHRI MUKESH RAJPUT:

SHRI BIBHU PRASAD TARAI :

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

- (a) the manner in which the Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats are likely to be selected and developed in each of the districts;
- (b) the steps being taken to ensure effective participation of the women representatives in the workshops and follow-up initiatives;
- (c) the manner in which it is being ensured that the outcomes of the said workshops lead to long-term policy changes at the grassroots level;
- (d) whether there is any mechanism for the elected women representatives to share the best practices and experiences in various States to promote women-led governance through a collaborative approach; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

(Prof. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a), (b)&(c) The Ministry has initiated the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) through Panchayati Raj Institutions by consolidating the 17 SDGs into 9 themes, aiming to achieve the Sustainable Development agenda by 2030 at the grassroots level. Building on this, the Ministry is supporting States and Union Territories (UTs) in transforming selected Gram Panchayats (GPs) by focusing on Theme 9 of the LSDGs. As part of this effort, each State/UT has initially identified one GP per district to be developed into a Model Women Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP). To aid this transformation, the Ministry has created a specialized module to provide capacity-building and training to elected representatives and

Panchayat functionaries of these selected GPs. This training aims to enhance their performance on women-friendly parameters, such as the regular conduct of Mahila Sabha, among others. A specialized dashboard has also been developed to monitor the progress of this initiative.

The Ministry has issued advisories to States/UTs and conducts regular review meetings to ensure effective participation of women representatives in workshops, training sessions, and capacitybuilding activities. While the MWFGP initiative is promising, it is still in its early stages, making it premature to assess its long-term impact on grassroots policy changes.

(d) & (e) Yes Sir. The Ministry engages actively with Women Elected Representatives (WERs) through various initiatives such as workshops, conferences, committees, and expert groups, all aimed at promoting women's empowerment and leadership. Insights gained from these interactions, along with expert recommendations, contribute to the advisories issued by the Ministry to State Governments periodically. During these workshops, elected women representatives present innovative models and collaborative approaches as best practices. They also share inspiring experiences of exemplary practices that promote women-led governance in rural areas. Furthermore, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) recognizes and honors Panchayats including women led, through the National Panchayat Awards for their exceptional efforts in sustainable and inclusive development across different categories. Additionally, the Ministry publishes booklets showcasing the 'Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats,' further enhancing knowledge-sharing and learning.

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