The Ministry of Panchayati Raj today launched the “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan at the National Workshop of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions in New Delhi. The Abhiyan is a comprehensive and targeted capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening Women-Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the nation. It focuses on sharpening their leadership acumen, enhancing their decision-making capabilities, and reinforcing their role in grassroots governance.
During his address, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the vital role of women leaders in transforming rural governance. He added that the government is fully committed to undertaking capacity and confidence-building measures to further strengthen women’s leadership in the country, particularly in gram panchayats. He stressed the need for the empowerment of women for a Justice Equitable Society. Mr Singh highlighted that nearly 1.4 million women across the country are associated with Panchayati Raj Institutions today. He made these remarks while addressing the inaugural event of Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyaan at the National Conference for Elected Women Representatives in New Delhi today. Mr Singh said that the government has taken several initiatives, including the Lakhpati Didi and Namo Drone Didi schemes, to empower women. He also stressed the need for skill development in Panchayati Raj institutions to instil confidence among women.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi emphasized that women-led development brings positive change to society as well as economic growth. She urged elected women representatives to exercise their authority independently and eliminate the influence of male interference in decision-making.
Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse also attended the event.
The workshop also witnessed the launch of specialized training modules designed specifically for capacity building of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
More than 1,200 elected Women Representatives participated in the event, which was organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in commemoration of International Women’s Day, to be observed on the 8th of March. During the event, 23 elected Women Representatives received awards for the extraordinary work they have done in their panchayats.