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18 February, 2025
'Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat' (MWFGP) Initiative Launched
Wed 05 Mar, 2025
Context:
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the 'Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat' (MWFGP) initiative at a national conference held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on March 5, 2025.
- The primary objective of this initiative is to establish at least one model women-friendly Gram Panchayat in each district, promoting safety, inclusivity, and gender equality.
- This program is part of the Ministry's International Women’s Day (March 8) 2025 celebrations and is expected to have a lasting impact on rural governance by ensuring security, inclusivity, and gender equality for women and girls across Gram Panchayats nationwide.
Key Highlights of the National Conference:
- Virtual inauguration of training for elected representatives and officials of identified Gram Panchayats.
- Launch of a monitoring dashboard to track the progress of model women-friendly Gram Panchayats.
- Presentations on the concept of women-friendly Gram Panchayats, showcasing best practices and key elements of transformation.
- Display of informational videos highlighting successful women-friendly initiatives.
Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI):
- A system of rural local self-governance in India.
- Manages local affairs through elected bodies at different levels.
- Constitutional Provisions: Part IX (Articles 243-243O).
Key Constitutional Provisions:
| Article | Subject |
| Article 243 | Definitions (Gram Sabha, Panchayat, State Election Commission, etc.) |
| Article 243A | Establishment and powers of Gram Sabha |
| Article 243B | Three-tier Panchayati Raj system (Village, Intermediate, and District levels) |
| Article 243C | Structure of Panchayats (Number of seats, representation, etc.) |
| Article 243D | Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Women |
| Article 243E | Tenure of Panchayats (5 years) and elections in case of dissolution |
| Article 243F | Disqualification of members of Panchayats |
| Article 243G | Powers and responsibilities of Panchayats (Planning, economic development, social justice) |
| Article 243H | Financial powers of Panchayats (Taxes, fees, funds) |
| Article 243I | Establishment of State Finance Commission |
| Article 243J | Accounts and audit provisions for Panchayats |
| Article 243K | Conduct of Panchayat elections (Under State Election Commission) |
| Article 243L | Provision of Panchayats in Union Territories |
| Article 243M | Exceptions in some states (Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya) |
| Article 243N | Continuation of previous laws |
| Article 243O | Prohibition of judicial interference in Panchayat elections |
History:
- Mahatma Gandhi envisioned the concept of Gram Swaraj, advocating for empowered village Panchayats as administrative units.
- 1957: Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
- 1959: Panchayati Raj system was implemented in Rajasthan (Nagaur district) and Andhra Pradesh.
- 1992: 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was passed, granting constitutional status to Panchayati Raj.
- April 24, 1993: The Panchayati Raj Act came into effect across India, and April 24 is observed as 'National Panchayati Raj Day.'
Structure of Panchayati Raj (Three-tier system):
| Level | Unit | Head Official |
| Village Level | Gram Panchayat | Sarpanch |
| Block Level | Panchayat Samiti / Janpad Panchayat | President/Chairperson |
| District Level | Zila Parishad | Chairperson |