T-81727.pdf

STUDY ON PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN MEMBERS OF PANCHAYATS IN KHANDWA DISTRICT OF MADHYA PRADESH

THESIS

THESIS

_ Submitted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.) In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE In

AGRICULTURE (EXTENSION EDU-CATION AND RURAL SOCIOLOGY)

APEKSHA SONI

Department of Extension Education and Rural Sociology Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur College of Agriculture Indore- 452001 ( M.P.)

CERTIFICATE-I

This is to certify that the thesis entitled "A STUDY ON PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN MEMBERS OF PANCHAYATS IN KHANDWA DISTRICT OF MADHYA PRADESH" submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of "MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE (EXTENSION EDUCATION AND RURAL SOCOLOGY) of the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.), is a record of the confide research work carried out by KU.APEKSHA SONI, I.D. No. A/IN/87/2002 under my guidance and supervision. The subject of the thesis has been approved by the Student's Advisory Committee and Director of Instruction, J.N.K. V. V., Jabalpur (M.P.)

No part of the thesis has been submitted for any other degree or diploma (Certificated awarded etc.) or has been published. All the assistance and help received during the course of the investigation has been duly acknowledged by him.

Place: Indore Date: 2—'' \') '

( . . .SWARNKAR) Chairman of the Advisory Committee

THESIS APPROVED BY THE STUDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Chairman

Dr. V.K. Swarnkar

Member

Dr. M.M. Patel

Member

Dr. A.M. Rajput

Member

Dr. V.B. Singh

cTii

CERTIFICATE-II This is to certify that the thesis entitled "A STUDY ON PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN MEMBERS OF PANCHAYATS IN KHANDWA DISTRICT OF MADHYA PRADESH"submitted by KU. APEKSHA SONI l.D. No. 8712002 to the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.), in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of "MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE"(EXTENSION EDUCATION AND RURAL SOCIOLOGY ),

has after evaluation been approved by the External Examiner and by the Student's Advisory Committee after an oral examination of the same.

Place: Indore Date: j

(Dr. V.K Swarnkar) Chairman of the Advisory Committee

MEMBERS OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Chairman ( Dr. V.K. Swarnkar)

Head of the Depar ent/Section

rnfe csor And Head `-' Department of Extension Education College of Agriculture. INDORB

Director of

DEAN A rkulture College, !ND081

Irec or Instrnt5oD $risbi Vishwa Viayala,w. TABALPUR ~.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I avail this opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude to my guide and Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Dr. V.K. Swarnkar, Professor & Head of Section, Department of Extension Education and Rural Sociology, College of Agriculture, Indore for his inspiring. guidance, constructive criticism, constant encouragement and generous help throughout the course of investigation and the course of writing this manuscript. My sincere thanks are due to the members of the Advisory committee, Dr. M.M. Patel, Associate Professor, Department of Extension Education and Rural Sociology, Dr. A.M. Rajput Professor & Head of section, Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, 9 9 } Dr. V.B,. Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Agricultural Statistics, for their valuable suggestions and help during the course of investigation and preparation of manuscript. I am deeply obligate to Dr. S. Choudhary Associate Professor and Shri R.L. Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Extension Education and Rural Sociology, College of Agriculture, Indore who provided valuable guidance and kind cooperation in conducting the investigation. I express my sincere thanks to Dr. R.A. Sharma, Dean, College of Agriculture, Indore, for his kind encouragement and providing necessary facilities during the course of-study. I am highly indebted to my parents Dr. O.P. Soni and Smt. Madhuri Soni whose affection, sacrifices and constant encouragement at all, stages of the study have been a real source of inspiration to me. I am also grateful from the core of my heart, to my elder brothers 4bhishek and younger sister Akanksha Soni and my faithfully Mr. R.K. Soni whose affection and ,.onstant encouragement made it possible to complete my studies well in time. At last but not the least no words are enough to express my colleagues and friends 'riyanka Mundra, Ritu Pal, Shurti Rao, Nishi K. Panday, Chandrakata Mandloi, Rajesh :houhan, Rakesh Jain, Jaya Mahra,Geeta Tare, Rakesh Damar, M.Gowda, Tulika Prasad, Nitin ,harma, ,. I am thankful to the lord almighty for his grace and immense blessings always showered )on me.

ace: Indore te:

(APEKSHA SONI)

LIST OF CONTAINS S.No.

Chapter

I.

Introduction

1-4

II.

Review of literature

5-13

III.

Material and Methods

14-27

IV.

Result and Discussion

38-48

V.

Summary and Conclusion

50-55

References Appendix

Vita

Page No.

i-v vi-xiv

LIST OF TABLES

Table.No. Name of Table

4.1

Distribution

Page No.

of

women

members

of

Panchayat

29

members

of

Panchayat

30

members

of

Panchayat

30

members

of

Panchayat

31

of

Panchayat

31

of

Panchayat

32

of

Panchayat

32

of

Panchayat

33

of

Panchayat

34

according to their Age

4.2

Distribution

of

women-

according to their Educational status

4.3

Distribution

of

women

according to their Caste.

4.4

Distribution

of

women

according to their Family size.

4.5

Distribution

of

women

members

according to their Occupation.

4.6

Distribution

of

women

members

according to their Annual income.

4.7

Distribution

of

women

members

according to their Size of land holding.

4.8

Distribution

of

women

members

according to their Social participation.

4.9

Distribution according to agencies.

of

women

members

their Contact with

developmental

4.10

Distribution of women members of Panchayat

34

according to their Political affiliation

4.11

Distribution

_ of women members of Panchayat

35

according to their time allocation to panchayat matters

4.12

Distribution of women members of Panchayat

35

according to their Attitude towards the system of panchayat

4.13

Distribution of extent of participation of women

37-38

members according to panchayat activities.

4,14

Extent of Participation of women members of

39

panchayat

4-15

Relationship between socio-personal, economic and

- 40

psychological characteristics and exent of participation.

4.16

Contraints/problems in participation in panchayat

43-44

activities perceived women members.

4-17

Distribution of women',panchayat leaders according to suggestions.

46-47

LIST OF FIGURES

[Figure No.

1

Particulars

Distribution of age of women members of

After pages 29

panchayat. 2

Level of educational status of women members of panchayat

30

3

Distribution of caste of women members of panchayat.

30

4

Distribution of family size of women members of panchayat.

31

5

Distribution of occupation of women members of panchayat.

31

6

Income group of women members of panchayat

7

Distribution of size of land holding of women members of panchayat.

32

8

Social participation women members of panchayat

33

9

Contact with developmental agencies of women members of panchayat

34

10

Affiliation of political women members of panchayat

34

11

Distribution of women members according to their time allocation towards system of panchayat.

35

12

Distribution of women members in panchayat according to their attitude towards the system of panchayat.

35

13

Extent of Participation of women members of panchayat

39

14

Distribution of participation of women members of panchayat.

39

-

32

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER INTRODUCTION Panchayats have been the backbone of the Indian villages since the beginning of recorded history. Gandhi ji, the father of the nation, in 1946 had aptly remarked that Indian Independence must begin at the bottom and every village ought to be a Republic or Panchayat having powers Gandhi ji's dream has been translated into reality with the introduction of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system to enlist people's participation in rural reconstruction. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India aim at decentralizing government to promote greater participation by ordinary people in their own governance. This process of democratic decentralization was set in motion with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act passed by the Indian Parliament, which enabled decentralized governance through PRIs in rural areas. PRIs function at the village, intermediate (block) and district level. Across India, there are approximately 2,34,676 Gram Panchayats at the village level, 6097 Janpad Panchayats at block level and 537 Zila (district) Panchayats. There are a total of about 2,187,000 elected representatives at all three tiers. PRIs offer India's rural villagers a practical opportunity to participate in village planning processes, to engage with the various developmental schemes being implemented by the Government and to interact with their elected representatives directly to ensure that their interests are being effectively served and their money properly spent. The village panchayats are entrusted .a wide range of activities for rural development and welfare of rural people. These panchayats at village level are meant for direct supervision and'implementation of socio-economic development programmes like children and women development, adult education and other related programmes. The village panchayats are also managing water supply, schools, hospitals and many others facilities for rural people. Panchayats need active involvement of rural people not only for managing their own affairs, but also for promoting development activities best suited to satisfy the local needs. Socially and culturally the women folk and the scheduled caste and scheduled tribes had limited opportunity growth. Initially the B.R. Mehta committee 1

recommended co-option of two female members "who are Panchayat Samiti and village panchayat level. In early seventies down graded status was identified and measures were suggested for integrating women in the process of development. Committee on the status of women recommended the establishment of statutory women's panchayat at the village .level transitional measures to ensure greater participation by women in the political process. The Ashok Mehta committee, which considered women as the most important part of our population, stressed the need to recognized and managerial and strengthens women's construction decision-making and managerial roles. In the mean time the United Nations declared 1975 as the "International women's years" The decade 1975-85 was hailed by the member nations as the "Women's development decade" During this period the nations of the world were expected to focus their attention and resource on the problem of women with the objective of integrating women in the social, economical and political activities. Realizing the need to promote weaker sections and significance of village panchayats in all round development of villages, Government of India implemented 73rd constitutional amendment act, bearing the basic tenet of the Rajiv Gandhi's proposition "empowering peo le for prosperity' to bring out a significant change in the attitude, behavior and performance of the rustic folk in India. This act came into force on 24th April 1992. It was a historic event in the evolution of democracy for removing gender imbalance and bias in the institution of local self-government. Article 243 (D) makes the provision for the one-third reservation of seats for women and it attracts the active participation of those excluded from the decision making process. As a large segment contributing for successful operation of a democratic system special attention is paid to the role of women in PRI's. The reservation seats for women have given them an opportunity to take part in the political process of state of in general and rural areas in particular. Madhya Pradesh was the first state completed election in May-June 1994 and handed over power to Zila Panchaya at district level, Janpad Panchayat at block level and Gram Panchayat at village level on 20th August 1994. At this time state of Madhya Pradesh was fully covered under Panchayati Raj System having 48 Zila Panchayats, 313 Janpad Panchayat and 22931 village Panchayats covering 48 District, 313 blocks and 51806 villages.

2

in the village panchayats the sarpanch is the supreme authority assisted and co-operated by ward members or panchs. Taken together rural -women participate in large number irrespective of caste, creed and religion and play an important role aiming towards rural welfare. Reservation has increased the number of elected women panchayat leaders including first time electors. The role of women members in panchayats is very important in developing agricultural, social, economical, and political level of rural mass for both general and weaker sections. It is the need of time to provide proper guidance and leadership to perform their duties. It has been general observation that the panchayats are dominated by a privileged class of society in village having political influence or stronger economic power. To ensure better participation of women in political sphere, it is necessary to identify their extent of participation and give suggestions to improve their participation and role in panchayats. Panchayati Raj is studied from different aspect but this whole study keeping in the view the present functioning of the panchayat and the suggestion of women panchayat leaders in effective execution of their responsibility. This research study has been undertaken with a perspective to identify the factors affecting the. participation of women panchayat. leaders. Based on results of investigation suggestion may be made for working efficiency of women headed village panchayats. It is a matter of find out the extent of participation of women panchayat leaders as perceived- -by, them which resultantly affects their role performance. Hence, the present investigation "A study on participation of women members of panchayats in Khandwa District of Madhya Pradesh." was designed and undertaken with the following specific objectives: 1.To know the socio-personal, economic and psychological profile of women members of panchayat. 2.To assess the extent of participation of women members of panchayat. 3.To find out the extent of association between socio-personal, economic and psychological variables with participation of women members of panchayat. 4. To identify the constraints for less participation of women members in panchayat and suggestions for more participation of women members of panchayat. Ic

Scope of the Study : One of the tasks stressed from the start of Panchayati Raj activities was to assist the "weaker groups." This has been held to be the objective of various plans, community development programmes and the Panchayati Raj Institutions. The objective of Panchayati Raj particularly women panchayat leaders and their extent of participation in Panchayati Raj programmes as functionaries. For efficient working of panchayats the problems faced by the women panchayat leaders in their participation in village panchayats their needs must be located and necessary guidance for such identified problems must be sought enabling them to advise better participation in village panchayat and obtain greater satisfaction. The present study reveals whether the elected women panchayat leaders have the participation in the work of village panchayat and how they are performing their role to a satisfactory extent. This would provide an understanding of a efficiency of work carried out by the panchayats. Thus this study is intended to realize the extent of working of women panchayat leaders and problems faced by.. them, because the participation of women in the PRIs that for most of them are less experienced. It will be interesting and of great help to the administrators and policy makers for making necessary improvements in panchayats and to provide necessary training facilities and support to the elected member of panchayats.

Limitation of the Study: The researcher suffered from the usual problem of conveyance, time, physical facilities and co-operation of respondents as any scientific investigation undertaken by a student in social science would face. This present study was conducted in a particular block of khandwa district. The result can be applicable only to the area where similar conditions are prevailing.

ru

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

CHAPTER-11 REVIEW OF LITERATURE A comprehensive and critical review of past studies provided a sound base for scientific investigation. It helps in determining appropriate methods and procedures for conducting investigation. it also support in interpreting the findings. The study has been designed to know Participation of women in panchayats. The review of literature has been presented under the following sub-heads: 2.1 Profile of (Social, economic and psychological) women members and their association with Participation in panchayats . 2.2 Participation of women members of panchayats. 2.1 Profile of (Social, economic and psychological) women members and their association with Participation in panchayats 1. Socio-personal-economic attributes: (1.1) Age: Khare (1995) reported that the highest percentage (54.88%) of Sarpanchs belonged to young age group and lowest (8.54%) to old age group. Roy (1995) reported that most of the panchayat leaders were young and middle aged. Singh et al. (1995) observed that more than 55 per cent of the Sarpanches and Panchs were above 40 years of age. Kurariya et.al. (1997) reported that majority (50%) of the elected representative of panchayati raj system belonged to middle age group of 35-48 years of age. Choudhary (1998) inferred that highest percentage of women panchayat leaders (44.04 %) belonged to young age category (up to 36 years). 5

Jhamtani et al. (2001) reported that majority of the panchayat leaders were in the age group of above 60 years. Gurjar (2002) found that majority (52.87%) of the respondents belonged to middle age group. Shrivastava (2003) reported that majority of the respondents were in the young age group (below 38 years). Sarumathy (2004) found that majority (66%) of the Gram panchayat leaders belonged to 18-40 years age group. Debnath (2005) found that higher percentage (34.60%) of panchayat representatives belonged to 41 to 50 years, 31.50 belonged to 31 to 40 years of age group and 7.70% belonged to 21 to 30 years age group. (1.2) Education: Khare (1995) observed that highest percentage of sarpanchs had education up to middle school. Roy (1995) observed that the panchayat presidents were better education than ward members. Singh et al. (1995) observed that 15 per cent of the respondents were illiterate, while half of them were educated from primary to matriculation and only 10 per cent had educated up to higher level. Kurariya (1997) revealed that majority (30%) of the elected representatives in the panchayati raj system were illiterate while 26 per cent were educated up to primary standard. Ghosh (1997) found that educational status of women members of Panchayati Raj institution was comparatively lower vis-a-vis male members.

Khare (1998) reported that 38.53 per cent of respondents had graduation degree. Choudhary (1998) reported that 42.85 per cent women )anchayat leaders had education up to primary levei.Futher it was

r

concluded that education is one of the major contributing factors in role performance. Jhamtani et al. (2001) observed that majority (76.70%) of the women panchayat leaders was illiterate and 13.30 per cent were educated up to primary- level. Gurjar (2002) reported that 26.43 per cent panchayat leaders had education up to middle and 25.28 per cent up to primary level. Shrivastava (2003) found. .that 47.42 per cent village panchayat leaders were educated up to higher secondary level, Further it was concluded that job performance of village panchayat leaders is influenced by their educational level significantly. Jadhav et al. (2004) revealed that education of sarpanch had significantly associated with role performance. Debnath (2005) found that 26.90 per cent panchayat representatives had education of IX and X, 19.2% had education VI to VIII and up to primary class, 16.90% educated up to graduate,-" 10.00% educated up to higher secondary and 4.6% were illiterate. Tomar et al. (2007) reported that majority of members (54.54%) were educated up to primary standard and 27.27 per cent were illiterates, while 18.18 per cent had high school and above. (1.3) Caste: Ghosh (1995) found that there is adequate representation of weaker sections i.e. women, SC & ST's in the gram panchayat. Khare (1995) showed that 31.70 per cent sarpanchs belonged to other backward classes, followed by 29.27 per cent belonged to scheduled tribes and 26.83 per cent to general caste categories. Roy (1995) found that numerical strength of caste plays a pivotal role in determining leadership.

7

Singh et a/. (1995) reported that 65 per cent of the village leaders were from higher caste group, followed by backward classes and scheduled castes. Kurariya (1997) found that a majority (53%) of the respondents belonged to general caste category. Choudhary (1998) reported that 41.67 per cent women panchayat leaders belonged to ST/SC, 40.88 per cent to OBC and 17.85 per cent to general caste. Jhamtani et al. (2001) reported that the large percentage of women panchayat leaders belonged to lower castes. • Gurjar (2002) reported that 49 per cent panchayat leaders belonged to general caste and 24 per cent belonged to backward classes category. Shrivastava (2003) concluded that caste plays a significant role in job performance of village panchayat leaders. Tomar et al. (2007) found that 36.36 per • cent panchayat members were from upper caste, 27.27 per cent from middle caste and 36.36 per cent from lower caste. (1.4) Family size: Agrawal (1995) found that majority of the extension personnel had up to 5 members in their family. Roy (1995) found that 33.7 per cent of the panchayat leaders have family size of 3-4 members, followed by 26 per cent having 5-6 members. Panchayat leaders with more than 6 members were 22.9 per cent and less than three members were 16.6 per cent. Choudhary (1998) reported that majority (61.90%) respondents beloned to big family size. Shrivastava (2003a) revealed that 54.43 per cent panchayat leaders had large family size.

(1.5) Occupation: Khare (1995) found that majority of sarpanches had agriculture as main occupation. Roy (1995) observed that 84.2 per cent panchayat leaders and 81 per cent ward members reported their occupation as agriculture based. Singh et al. (1995) reported that most of the panchayat leaders were agriculturist, while others were engaged in some off-farm activities. Choudhary (1998) found that 51.19 per cent of women panchayat leaders had agriculture as their main occupation. Shrivastava (2003) reported that 41.74 per cent village panchayat leaders were having agriculture and allied activities as their main occupation.Futher it was found that there is significant association between occupation and job performance of village panchayat leaders. Tomar et al. (2007) reported that most of the respondents were farmers (45.45%), whereas least (18.18%) of them reported service as their main occupation, while caste occupation was counted as 36.36 per cent. (1.6) Size of land holding: Khare (1995) concluded that majority of sarpanches were big farmers, followed by landless and small farmers with regard to their size of land holding. Roy (1995) observed that all families of panchayat presidents, except one, owned cultivable land and 76.7 per cent of ward members owned land. Singh (1995) reported that barring a few (14%), all the other - espondents

were landholders. Most of them have land from 6-15

icres, while 1/5th of them possessed even more than 15 acres of and. 9

Kurariya (1997) found that 38.77 per cent elected representatives in panchayati raj system belonged to small (1-2 ha) according to their size of land holding, while 36.67 per cent belonged to marginal (up to 1 ha) category. Choudhary (1998a) revealed that majority of women panchayat leaders belonged to big farmers category, followed by landless, marginal and small farmers category with the last two categories having equal number of respondents. Jhamtani et al. (2001) observed that majority (69.99%) of the panchayat belonged to small and medium farm size. Gurjar (2002) found that 49.42 per cent panchayat leaders belonged to land less (54.36%) category. Shrivastava (2003) concluded that majority (54.36%) of village panchayat leaders belonged to land less category. Debnath (2005) found that maximum (40.00%) number of panchayats representatives had marginal size of land holding. (1.7) Annual income: Khare (1995) reported that highest percentage of sarpanches were from medium level of category, followed by high and low-income category Singh (1995) found that about 1/3rd of the sarpanches have Rs. 40,000/- or more annual income. Kurariya (1997) revealed that majority (54.17%) of elected -epresentatives of panchayat belonged to middle income group (Rs. 3000 to 18000). Choudhary (1998) found that 64.28 per cent women panchayat :aders belonged to low income group (up to Rs. 30,000/-) with aspect to their annual income. Gurjar (2002) found that 54.02 per cent members belonged to edium income category and 26.43 per cent had low annual income itegory

10

Shrivastava (2003) found that 66.99 per cent village panchayat leaders belonged to low annual income group (up to Rs. 12000/-). Tomar et al. (2007) reported that 27.27 per cent members belonged to Rs. 9,000 to 12,000/- income group and majority of members (27.27%) from Rs. 12,000 to 18,000/- income group and 36.36 per cent higher income 9Rs. 18,000-/ and above) (1.8) Political affiliation: Khare (1995) found that majority of sarpanch had affiliation with different political party, followed by no affiliation with any political party. -. Chaudhary (1998) reported that maximum percentage of (89.28%) women panchayat leaders were affiliated political party. Gurjar (2002) found that 71.26 per cent members of panchayat had affiliation with a political party. - Shrivastava (2003a) reported that maximum (82.52%) numbers of village panchayat leaders were affiliated to political party. (1.9) Social participation: Khare (1995) concluded ,that the highest percentage of sarpanchas were not member of any other organization, followed by member or office bearer in one organization, and member or office bearer in more than one organization. (1.10) Contact with development agencies: Khare (1995) found that majority of sarpanches made regular contact with department of panchayat, department of agriculture and department of electricity. (1.11) Time allocation to panchayat matters: Spio (1997) observed that rural women work within different set of time constraints. Time is the primary resource of poor women. They generally work longer and harder hours as a result of their dual roles. This leaves little time for leisure. 11

Choudhary (1998) reported that majority (62.20%) of women panchayat leaders spent their maximum time in participation in monthly meetings and making development plans. Shrivastava (2003) reported that majority (82.52%) of village panchayat leaders allocated time for contact with development agencies. (1.12) Attitude towards system of Panchayat Singh et al. (1995) informed-that a few sarpanches (19%) told that their duties include the overall development of their villages, while some other pointed out some specific works. Choudhary (1998) reported that 41.67 per cent women village panchayat leaders had low attitude towards agriculture development and 38.10 per cent of them had medium attitude. Shrivastava (2003) reported that most of the respondents had favorable attitude towards rural development through panchayati-raj. 2.2 Participation of women members of panchayats: 1. Participation: Bhargava and Raohae (1992) revealed that attendance of women members is very poor in Gram sabha meetings, hence quantitative participation of people is almost negligible. A few expressed .that they do not have any business with such meetings. Choudhary (1998) conducted a study in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The result reveals that the highest number of women panchayat leaders betongs to young age and educated up to primary level. Mostly women panchayat members belong to backward class and have big size of family. Majority of their time spent in attending monthly meeting of panchayat. They having low favourable attitude towards agricultural development. Jhamtani ,et al. (2001) conducted a study in Gurgaon district of Haryana and concluded that though there isn't true and deep

12

involvement of women panchayats in the village of Haryana, but it is good beginning with lot of potential . In order to harness the potential and training on motivation, leadership development planning and governance. Arya (2003) studied in Barmer district and gives conclusion that illiteracy is the serious problem in women members of panchayat. They feel proud for their seats, but don't understand their rights. They need regular training for better participation. Prasad and Singh (2004) conducted a study in Mau district of

Uttar Pradesh. The study reflects that middle age women having higher level of annual family income were found more active in panchayats. Due to increasing educational level, and efforts made by the government, rural women are showing sings of improvement in decision making but social factors of male domination and caste pattern are acting as strong hindrance in this social phenomenon. Okunada, et.al. (2005) conducted a study in osun state of Nigeria. The results shows that there is`, a positive significant relationship between participation of women local leaders and level of education and marital status, other variables with negative but significant relationship are extended orientation and occupation. The women loaders were also involved i n

a

activities

v uch

as problem

identification, decision making, plan of action, implementation and evaluation. Rao,(2008) conducted study in south India. He found that increasing improvement of participation of women in Government will lead to more gender equality. The female leaders perform not different from male leaders. The result also indicates that institutional factors matter much more for women than men. Women perform better than men in situation where they have more political

experience and live in villages which are less dominated by upper castes.

13

MATERIAL AND METHODS

CHAPTER - III MATERIAL AND METHODS This chapter deals with the methods and procedures employed for the collection and analysis of data. This chapter has been divided into the following sub- heads for the state of convenience: 3.1. Locale of the study. 3.2. Sampling techniques used. a. Selection of the block. . b. Selection of the Gram Panchayats. c. Selection of the respondents. 3.3. Variables and their measurement. 3.4. Operationalisation of variables. 3.5. Instruments and methods of data collection. 3.6. Statistical analysis of data. 3.7. Reliability and validity of the instrument. 3.8. Hypotheses of the study 3.1. Locale of the study: The present study was conducted in Khandwa block of district Khandwa in M.P. The Khandwa district lies between latitude 21 °33' to North and longitude 81°02' to 82°20' to East and 715 meters from the mean sea level. In Madhya Pradesh it is situated in Agro-climatic zone XI (i.e.Nimar region).This district has been divided in to seven blocks i.e.Khandwa, Punasa, Pandhana, Chegaoumakhan, Harsud, Baldi, and Khalva .Under these blocks 10.78 lakhs people living in 6963 villages and 423 Gram panchayats. The total geographical area of the Khandwa district is 493071 hectares. The cultivated area of different crops is 304399 hectares. The average annual rainfall of the district is about 650.60 mm. 14

Th.e total geographical area of the block is 65023 square kilometer. The population of this block is 144645 and Khandwa block comprises 96 villages and 60 gram panchayats. Table 3.1: General features of the Khandwa district, in M.P. S. No. 1.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

-

Features Geographical situation Latitude (North) Longitude (East) Mean sea level (meters) Total geographical area (ha) Total cultivated area (ha) Net sown area (ha) Fallow land (ha) Total forest area (ha) Total irrigated area (ha) Annual rainfall (mm.) Total number of blocks Total village panchayats Total number of villages Total population Total literacy percentage Average temperature (C) Maximum Minimum

In Khandwa district

In Khandwa block

21°33' to 22°25' 76°10' to 77°13' 754 493071 230 304399 9705 26957 113898 650.60 07 423 6963 1078251 61.71

21°45' to 22°45' 76°15' to 76°37' 368 65023 213 46295 2494 1141 17254 736 01 60 96 144645 69.30 -

32.42 20.01

Source: Deputy Director Agriculture and Statistical Department Khandwa (2006) 3.2. Sampling techniques used: Multistage random sampling method was used to draw the sample. The panchayati raj bodies are functioning in all the 48 district of Madhya Pradesh. The present study has been conducted in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. a. Selection of the block: Khandwa district comprises 7 blocks (Janpad Panchayats), out of which one block i.e. Khandwa Janpad Panchayat has been selected purposively for the present investigation due to proximity 15

with the village and influence of different development agencies located _ near by the headquarter Janpad Panchayat of Khandwa district. This Janpad Panchayat also ensures better implementation of the developmental programmes. b.

Selection of the Gram Panchayats:

Khandwa Janpad Panchayat Comprises of 60 Gram Panchayats. Out of which 20 Gram Panchayat are headed by women sarpanch and 331 women members are working in this block. For the study all women headed Gram panchayat s have been selected. Each Gram Panchayat has an average 12 to 16 panchayat leader.. c. . Selection of the Respondents: There are 20 women Sarpanches and 108 women panchs working in these women headed gram panchyats. All 20 women sarpanchs and on the basis of their presence, 86 women members were selected randomly, to make the sample 106 respondents.

16

Table 3.2: Name of selected women headed Gram panchayats and total number of village panchayat members with women members in panchayat: Name of village Total No: Total No. Total No. of Total No. of selected panchayat

of

of women selected women women members

Sarpanch

panch

panch

(sarpanch + panch)

Amalpura

1

7

5

6

Bmangounaakhi

1

7

4

5

Borgounkhurd

1

7

5

6

Dhorani

1

6

6

7

Jamli sayad

1

4

4

5

Jasvadi

1

7

5

6

Kalmukhi

1

7

4

5

Khehlari

1

4

3

4

Korglaa

1

4

4

5

Machodi riyat

1

7

5

6

Mathnibujurg

1

4

4

5

Mathpur.

1

4

4

5

Nagchoon

1

6

4

5

Rampura

1

4

4

5

Rohini

1

5

4

5

Satvada

1

'4

4

5

Savnkheda

1

4

4

5

Sirpur

1

7

5

6

Tigreya

1

5

4

5

Teerandajpur

1

5

4

5

Total

20

108

86

106

17

3.3. Variables and their measurement: S. No.

Variables

Measurement

A.

Independent variables

a. 1.

Socio-personal & Economic variables Age

Actual chronological age

2•

Educational status

Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963)

3.

Caste

Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963)

4.

Family size

Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963)

5.

Occupation

Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963)

6.

Annual income

Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963)

7.

Size of land holding

Scale of Pareek & Trivedi-(1963)

8.

Social participation

Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963)

9.

Contact with developmental Self Scoring a encies

10.

Political affiliation

11.

Time allocation to panchayat Self scoring

Self scoring

matters Psychological variable

2.

Attitude towards system of Self Scoring panchayat

► .

Dependent variable

Participation of women members Self rating in activities of panchayat.

3.4 Operationalisation of variables: Independent variables: 1. Age: It refers to the number of years completed by an individual respondent from birth to the time of study. The age groups were categorized into three categorizes on the basis of mean ± 1S.D. For the purpose of statistical analysis actual age was used. S.No.

Categories

1.

Young

2.

Middle

3.

Old

2. Educational Status: It refers to the level of education (formal and schooling) completed by the women panchayat leaders. As some women panchayat leaders were illiterate and informally educated the categorization has taken care of all the groups. Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963) were modified with the scores assigned to different categories are S.No.

Categories --

Score

1.

Illiterate

0

2.

Literate

1

3.

Primary

2

4.

Middle, & above

3

3. Caste: It refers to a collection of family bearing to common name, belonging to a common decent, professing to follow the same hereditary calling (occupation) and regarded as farming a single homogenous community. For the purpose of the study the caste has

19

been categorized into schedule caste and schedule tribe, other backward- caste and general according the Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963). The scores were assigned as follows: S.No.

Categories

1.

Scheduled caste/Scheduled Tribe

1

2.

Other back word caste

2

3.

General

3

Score

4. Family size: . Family size refers to the total number of individual living in the respondent family at the time of interview (including children and adults). These were categorized as Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963) S.No.

Categories

Score

1.

Small size (Up to 5 members)

1

2:

Medium size (6 to 10 members)

2

3.

Large size (Above 10 members)

3

5. Occupation: The occupation is the primary source of income, which contributes most towards the up keep of the family of the respondent. Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963) was used, the occupation categories and scores were assigned as follows: S.No.

Categories

Score

1.

Agriculture

4

2.

Agriculture + Labour

3

3.

Labour

2

4.

Other

1

6. Annual Income: It is the approximate total annual income (in Rupees) earned by a respondent and her family members from all sources in one 20

calendar year. Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963) was used and the respondents were placed into three income groups based on mean +IS.D. as follows: S.No.

Categories

1.

Low income group

2.

Middle income group

3.

High income group

7. Size of Land holding: It refers to the total area of land in hectare owned by the respondent at the time of the research. Actual figures of holding were used for the purpose of statistical analysis and the categorization was done as Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963} were modified with the availability of land are as follows: S.No.

Categories

Score

1.

Landless (Without any land ownership)

0

2.

Upto0.1 to0.43ha.

1

3.

0.44 to 1.80 ha.

2

4.

1.81 to 2.80 ha.

3

5.

Above 2.80 ha.

4

8. Social Participation: For the purpose of this study "Social participation" was defined as the voluntary sharing in person to group, to group relationship beyond the immediate household. Social Participation for this study was measured with the help of scale developed by Pareek and Trivedi (1963) —

21

S.No.

Categories

1.

No membership in any other organization

0

2.

Membership in one any other organization

I

3.

Member in more then one any other organization

2

4.

Office bearer in any other organization

3

Score

9. Contact with developmental agencies: The extent of contact of the women panchayat leaders with different development agencies like department of agriculture, Department of Veterinary science and animal husbandry, Department of health, Department of Panchayat, Department of Education, Department of Electricity, Department of small scale industries, NGO's (Non Government organizations), and others. Score 0,1,2,3, allotted to No contact, Daily contact, Weekly contact and Monthly contact according to Scale of Pareek & Trivedi (1963) with slight modifications. The total score of respondents were classified as Minimum, Medium, and Maximum on the basis of mean± 1S.D. 10. Political affiliation: It shows whether the members (women panchayat leaders) contested the elections as a nominee of any political party. The category and score were assigned as follows: S.No.

Categories

Score

1.

Not affiliated

0

2.

Affiliated to a political party

1

11. Time allocation to panchayat matters: The allocation of panchayat matters refers to the involvement of village panchayat leaders in various panchayat activities. This was measured by 12 important activities and their level of participation in each activity. This was worked out by time devoted in 22

each activity. Score 0,1,2,3, allotted to Never, Irregular, As per required and Regular time allocation of respondents. Thereafter, the total score of respondents were classified into Low, Medium, and High categories, on the basis of mean±IS.D. 12. Attitude towards the system of Panchayat : Attitude is the degree of favorableness or unfavorable ness of an individual towards an object. The degree of attitude towards panchayati raj was measured by Choudhary (1998) an index developed for the study. It consisted of 15 statements on which the respondents were asked to express their views as agree (3), no opinion (2), disagree (1).The total score of thus obtained was considered as score of respondents attitude towards the system of panchayat. The attitude towards the system of panchayat was classified into favorable, moderate, and unfavorable on the basis of mean±lS.D. Dependent variable: Participation of women members of panchayats: Participation of women members of panchayats may be defined as active involvement of people with some attributes like their physical participation, material co-operation, time devotion, and some psychological concepts viz.-interest, attitude, intelligence, motivation by self and group interaction. People participation as explained by G.L.Ray (1991), that the process of giving priority to local people's perspective in identification and analyzing their problems'. and opportunities and improvement the situation through their self mobilization. To measure participation of women of panchayats, 25 statements of panchayat activities were prepared and the respondents were requested to record their response regarding the panchayats operations, on three point response continuum namely always participate, seldom participate, occasionally participate and never participate. The Score allotted to these responses was 3, 2, 1, 23

and 0 respectively. After summing up the score of each respondent, they were categorized into three groups namely Low, Medium, and High on the basis of mean ±1S.D. 3.5. Instruments and methods of data collection: An interview schedule was developed for data collection on the basis of the objectives of the study and the variables considered. The interview schedule was tested for its reliability and validity in the adjoining block and necessary corrections were made. The data was collected by personal interview method. For this the researcher collected the list of village panchyat of Khandwa block from the Janpad Panchyat office and got an idea about the location of the village Panchyat selected for the study from the officials of Janpad Panchayat. Several visits were then made to the selected village panchayats for the purpose of collecting the data. 3.6. Statistical methods used The data collected were analyzed manually and also by the help of computer. The statistical methods viz, frequency, percentage arithmetic mean etc. were used. Percentage: The term per cent means for every hundred. A fraction whose denomination is 100 is called percentage and the numerator of the fraction is called the rate for calculating percentage, frequency was multiplied by 100 and divided by the number of total respondents. It was used for making comparison of various attributes of Sarpanch and women panchayat leaders.

I

Percentage (%) = x 100 N W here, n = obtained frequency of respondents N = total number of respondents

24

Arithmetic mean: Arithmetic mean of a set of observations is their sum divided by the number of observations e.g. the arithmetic mean observation

x1,

x

of n

x2 . xn is given by

Where: i = 1, 2...n X = Mean = Sum of observations n = number of observations Standard deviation Standard deviation is the positive square root of variance, in symbols.

x 2 — ( X) S.D. = 1 n n

Z

Where: X = deviation of the score from mean n = number of observation Pearson product moment correlation coefficient The correlation coefficient is a measure of the strength of association between two variables. It reflects has closely scores on two variables go together. The statistic "r" was used to find out the relationship between independent and dependent variables and also among themselves (inter-correlation) to calculate "r" following formula was used. na — ( Zx)(Ey) r= nz z — (ZX) 2 .(nEy 2 )— ( Ey) 2 Where: E xy = sums of product of scores of two Ex = sum of the xi scores Ey = sum of the yi scores Ex2 = sum of squared xi scores Eye = sum of squared yi scores n = number of cases 25

3.7. Reliability and validity of the instrument: Reliability of an interview schedule refers to its consistency or stability in obtaining information from the respondents. It has been observed properly that interview schedule had reliability before it is used as a data collection instrument. Validity refers to whether the data collection instrument measures it is supposed to measure. Taking the following steps maximized validity of the interview schedule for this study. The interview schedule was thoroughly discussed with the member of the authority; advisory committee and their suggestions were incorporated. Pre-testing of the interview schedule provided an additional check for improving the instrument. The relevancy of each question in terms of the objectives of the study, their logical order and wording of each question was checked carefully. 3.9. Hypotheses of the study: With reference to the association between socio-personal & economic, organizational and psychological variables with role performance following hypotheses were prepared.

The specific hypotheses formulated were as follows: 1.

There is significant association between age and participation of women members of panchayat.

2.

There is significant association between caste and participation of women members of panchayat.

3.

There is significant association between educational level and participation of women members of panchayat.

26

4.

There is significant association between family type and size with participation of women members of panchayat.

5.

There is significant association between occupation and participation of women members of panchayat.

6.

There is significant association between size of land holding and participation of women members of panchayat.

7.

There is significant association between annual income and participation of women members of panchayat.

8.

There is significant association between political affiliation and participation of women members of panchayat.

9.

There is significant association between attitude towards system of panchayat and participation of women members of panchayat.

10.

There is significant association between social participation and participation of women members of panchayat. l

11.

There is significant association between contact with development agencies and participation of women members of panchayat.

12.

There is significant association between time allocation to panchayat matters and participation of women members of panchayat.

27

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.

CHAPTER - IV RESULTS AND DISSCUSSION The findings of the present study are presented in the chapter keeping in the view the objective of the study. The results are presented and interpreted under the fallowing heads:4.1 To know the socio-personal, economic and psychological profile of women members of panchayats. 4.2 To access the extent of participation of women members of panchayats. 4.3 To find out the extent of association between socio-personal, economic and psychological variables with participation of women members of panchayat. 4.4 To identify the constrains for less participation of women members in panchayat and suggestions for more participation of women members of panchayats. The sample consisted of 106 women members in Panchayats of Khandwa block of khandwa district. Under this study Independent variable and dependent variables are presented as under: Independent variables 1. Age 2. Education status_ 3. Caste 4. Family type and Size 5. Occupation 6. Annual income 7. Size of land holding 8. Social participation 9. Contact with developmental agencies 10.Political affiliation 11.Time allocation to panchayat matters 12.Attitude towards system of panchayat Dependent variable: Participation of women members of panchayats.

4.1 Profile of women members of Panchayats : The profile of village panchayat leaders of Khandwa block of district Khandwa, Madhya Predesh has been studies in terms of socio-personal-economic and psychological aspect as below: A.Socio-personal-economic characteristics: The profile of village women members in terms of sociopersonal economic characteristics has been studies by considering age, caste, educational status, family size, occupation, size of land holding, annual income and size of land holdings and other than this Social participation, Contact with developmental agencies, Political affiliation, time allocation to panchayat are described here. 1. Age The age of women members of panchayat is presented in Table 4.1 Table 4.1: Distribution of women members" of Panchayat according to their age (n = 106) S.No. Age Group

Frequency

Percentage (%)

1.

Young (less then 27 years)

18

17

2.

Middle (28 to 35 years)

48

45

3.

Old (Above 35-years)

40

38

Table 4.1, shows that out of total women members, 17 per cent were of young age group, 45 per cent belonged to middle age group and 38 per cent were found in old age group. Hence, it can be con'cluded that highest percentage (45%) of women members were middle age group followed by young and old age group. Roy (1995), Kurariya (1997), and Gurjar (2002) revealed the same results

29

Distribution of age of women members of panchyat 17°

p Young (up to 27 years) o Middle (28 to 35 years) o Old (Above 35 years)

2. Educational status Education of women members of panchayat is showed in Table 4.2 Table 4.2: Distribution of women members of Panchayat according to their Educational status Frequency

S.No. Education levels

(n= 106) Percentage (%)

1.

Illiterate

26

25

2.

Literate

48

44

3.

Primary

25

24

4.

Middle, & above

7

7

Table 4.2, shows that out of total women members, 25 per cent were illiterate, 44 per cent were literate, that means they can do read write and arithmetic (3rs), 24 per cent were found educated up to primary level and very-few were educated up to middle, andabove. Therefore, it can be concluded that the maximum percentage (44%) of women members were literate, that means they can read and write only. Singh (1995), Kurariya (1997), and Jhamtani (2001) found the same results. 3. Caste The caste of women members of panchayat is presented in Table 4.3 Table 4.3: Distribution of women members of Panchayat according to their Caste. S.No. Caste

(n = 106) Frequency

Percentage (%)

1.

Scheduled caste/ Scheduled Tribe

40

38

2.

Other back ward caste

26

25

3.

General

40 37 Table 4.3 reveals that out of total women members 38 per cent

belonged to general caste followed by 24 per cent to other backward caste, while 38 per cent were belonged to scheduled caste / scheduled tribe. Hence, it may be concluded that maximum percentage (38 %) women members in panchayats belonged to general caste as well as

30

Level of educationalstatus of women members of panchayat 7% M 24%

44%

❑ Illiterate o Literate ® Primary 0 Middle, &above

scheduled tribe/scheduled caste followed by other backward caste.Ghosh (1995), Kurariya (1997), Choudhary (1998), and Jhamtani (2001) found the same results. 4. Family size The family size of women members of panchayat is presented in Table 4.4 Table 4.4: Distribution of women members of Panchayat according to their Family size. S.No. Family Type and Size __

(n = 106)

Frequency

Percentage (%)

1.

Small size (Up to 5 members)

-29

27

2.

Medium size (6 to 10 members)

51

48

3.

Large size (Above 10 members)

26 25 Table 4.4 illustrates that out of the total women members,

majority 48 per cent belonged to medium size family followed by 27 per cent belonged to small size and 25 per cent belonged to joint large size family. Hence, it is clear that the maximum percentage (48 %) of the women members had medium family as their family size. Choudhary (1998), Shrivastava (2003) supported the above results. 5. Occupation The occupation of women members of panchayat is presented in Table 4.5 Table 4.5: Distribution of women members of Panchayat according to their Occupation. S.No. Occupation

Frequency

(n = 106) Percentage (%)

1.

Agriculture

41

40

2.

Agriculture + Labour

13

12

3.

Labour

37

34

4.

Other

15

14

Table 4.5 shows that out of total women members majority 40 per cent had agriculture activities as their main occupation followed by 34 per cent, 14 per cent 12 per cent each with labour, other and agriculture + labour occupation. 31

Distribution of family size of women members of panchayat 2I

❑ Small size (Up to 5 members) o Medium size (6 to 10 members) ❑ Large size (Above 1 members)

48%

Distribution of occupation of women members of panchayat 14% 40%

34%

12% ❑ Agriculture ❑ Agriculture + Labour ❑ Labour ❑ Other

It can be inferred that majority (40%) women members had agriculture as their main occupation. Khare (1995), Roy (1995), Choudhary (1998), and Tomar (2007) observed the same results. 6. Annual Income The annual Income of women members of panchayat is presented in Table 4.1.6 Table 4.6:

Distribution

of women

members of Panchayat

according to their Annual Income. S.No. Annual Income Group

(n = 106)

Frequency

Percentage (%)

1.

Low income group (Rs. 20,000 to 40,000)

27

25

2.

Middle income group (Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 60,000)

40

38

High income group (Above 39 37 60,000) It is evident from the Table 4.6 that out of total women members, higher percentage 38 per cent women members had medium income whereas, 37 per cent had high income while only 25 per cent had low income. Hence, it can be concluded that the highest percentage (-38%) of women members had medium income. Khare (1995), Kurariya (1997), and Gurjar (2002) found the same results. 7. Size of land holding The Size of land holding of women members of panchayat is presented in Table 4.7 Table 4.7: Distribution , of women members of Panchayat according to their Size of land holding. S.No. Size of land holding

Frequency

(n = 106) Percentage (%)

1.

Landless (Without any land ownership)

24

23

2.

Up to 0.1 to 0.43 ha.

2

2

3.

0.44 to 1.80 ha.

25

24

4.

1.81 to 2.80 ha.

37

34

5.

Above 2.80 ha.

18

17

32

Income group of women members of panchayat 25%

o Low income group (Rs. 20,000 to 40,000)

370j o Middle income group (Rs. 4 0, 000 to Rs. 60,000)

❑ High income group 60,000)

Distribution of size of land holding of women members of panchayat 1701, /0

❑ Landless (Without any land ownership) OUpto0.1 to0.43ha.

2% 100.44to1.80ha. 01.81 to 2.80 ha. 1 0 Above 2.80 ha.

The data presented in Table 4.7 indicated that out of total women- members, 34 per cent were having 1.81 to 2.80 ha. size of land holdings followed by 24 per cent, 23 per cent, 17 per cent and 2 percent village panchayat leaders having 0.44 to 1.80 ha., landless (Without any land ownership.) ,Above 2.80 ha , and Up to 0.1 to 0.43 ha. size land holdings respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that higher percentage of the women members had 1.81 to 2.80 ha size land holding. Jhamtani (2001) found the same results. 8. Social Participation The social participation of women members of panchayat is presented in Table 4.8 Table 4.8:

Distribution

of women members of

according to their Social Participation. S.No. Social Participation

Panchayat (n = 106)

Frequency

Percentage (%)

_1.

No membership in any other organization

33

31

2.

Membership in one any other organization

20

19

3'

Member in more then one any other organization

31

29

4'

Office bearer in any other 22 21 organization The data presented in Table 4.8 indicated that out of total

women members, 31 per cent were not having membership in any other organization where as 29 per cent were having membership in more than one any other organization followed by 21 per cent women were office bearer while 19 `,per cent women were having membership in one any other organization. Therefore, it can be concluded that higher percentage of the women members were not having membership in any other organization. Khare (1995) revealed the same results.

33

Social participation of women members of panchayat o No membership in any other

1%

organization o Membership in one any other

organization ® Member in more then one any other organization ■ Office bearer in any organizati. other

2C Ill

-~

9. Contact with developmental agencies The contact with developmental agencies of women members are presented in Table 4.9 Table 4.9: Distribution of women members of Panchayat according to their Contact with developmental agencies. (n = 106) S.No. Contact with developmental agencies

Frequency

Percentage (%)

1'

Minimum contact (less than 2)

23

22

2'

Medium contact (between)

38

36

3.

45 42 Maximum contact ( above 7) It is evident from the Table 4.9 that out of total women

members, 42 per cent women having maximum contact with developmental agencies where as 36 per cent women having medium contact with developmental agencies, and 22 per cent women having minimum contact with developmental agencies. Therefore, it can be concluded that women members having maximum contact with developmental agencies. Khare (1995) supported the same result. 10. Political affiliation The political affiliations of women members of panchayat is presented in Table 4.10 Table 4.10: Distribution of women members of Panchayat according to their Political affiliation

(n = 106)

S.No. Political affiliation

Frequency 29

Percentage (%) 27

t.

Not affiliated any political party

2.

7 73 Affiliated to a political party Table 4.10 shows that 73 per cent of the total women members

were affiliated to a political party whereas 27 per cent of them were not affiliated to any political party. Hence, it can be concluded that majority (73%) of the women members were affiliated to a political party. Khare (1995), Choudhary

34

Contact with developmental agencies of women members in panchayat 22°! 42%

36% ❑ Minimum contact ® Medium contact

a Maximum contact

Affiliation of political party of women members of panchayat

73

❑ Not affiliated any political party ® Affiliated to a political party

(1998), Gurjar (2002), and Shrivastava (2003) supported the above results. 11.

Time allocation to panchayat matters

The time allocation to panchayat matters of women members of panchayat is presented in Table 4.11 Table 4.11: Distribution of women members of Panchayat according to their time allocation to panchayat matters (n = 106) S.No. Time allocation to panchayat matters

Frequency

Percentage (%)

1'

Minimum (less than 23)

20

28

2.

Medium (between)

38

26

46 48 Maximum (above 32) It is evident from the Table 4.11 that out of total women members, 46- per cent women gave maximum time to 'pachayat matters followed by 28 per cent, 26 per cent women gave their minimum and medium time to pachayat matters respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that women members gave their maximum time to pachayat -matters. Choudhary (1998) found the same results.

B. Psychological characteristics 12.

Attitude towards the system of Panchayat

The attitude towards the system of Panchayat of women members of panchayat is presented in Table 4.11. Table 4.12: Distribution of women membersof pachayat according to their Attitude towards the system of Panchayat. S.No. Attitude towards the system of Panchayat

Frequency

(n = 106) Percentage (%)

1.

Unfavorable (less than 27)

19

18

2.

Moderate (between)

26

25

3'

Favorable (above 33) 61 57 Table 4.12 shows that out of total women members, majority

(57%) women members had favorable attitudes towards system of

35

Distribution of women members according to their time allocation towards system of panchayat 28% 46%

26%

❑ Minimum ci Medium ❑ Ma)dmum

figure no. 12 Disribution of women members in panchayat according to their attitute towards system of panchayat ❑ Unfavorable (less than 27) 0 Moderate (between) 57%

25% I ❑ Favorable (above 33)

pachayat, while 25 per cent and 18 present of them had moderate and unfavorable attitude towards system of pachayat respectively. Therefore it can be concluded that most of the women members had favorable attitude towards system of pachayat. Shrivastava (2003) found the same results.

4.2 Extent of Participation of women members of Panchayat

I

Extent of Participation of women members of Panchayats is presented in Table 4.13 To asses the Participation of women, 25 statements regarding panchayat activities were prepared. ,-An attempt was made in the present research work to understand the extent of participation of women members in panchayat. According to answers of respondents the record was maintained.

36

Table 4.13: Distribution of extent of participation of women members according to panchayat activities. S.No.

1. 2.

3. 4. 5,

6. 7.

8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

14. 15.

Functions of Panchayat

To present in each meeting of Gram Panchayat. Suggestions and plans were given in each meeting of Panchayat. Organization of Gram sabha. Evaluation of plans working under Gram Sabha. To convey important. information related to Gram sabha. Control on people working in village. Organization and control of public as well as social activities under Panchayat. To solve the problems of village women. Control of plans under construction of Panchayat. Evaluation of each work after its completion. To rusticate or appoint new persons if sarpanch or panch were irregular. To excise timely inspection of Panchayat. To take action in against, due to irregularity of Panchayat. Management of health and sanitation in village. Construction, reconstruction and management of Panchayat.

Always

Seldom

(n = 106 )

Occasionally

Never

Freq.

Per.

Freq.

Per.

Freq.

Per.

23

22

39

37

38

36

6

6

28---- 13

34

32

42

40

2

2

26

14

32

30

42

40

6

6

23

15

36

34

44

42

3

3

29

16

28

26

45

42

4

4

21

17

23

22

56

53

6

6

15

18

31

29

52

49

8

8

39

37

41

39

23

22

3

3

23

20

34

32

40

38

9

8

21

21

28

26

53

50

4

4%

16

22

31

29

52

49

7

7

24

25

34

32

41

39

7

7

23

24

39

37

26

25

18

17

25

25

35

33

41

39

5

5

24

25

32

30

44

42

6

6

37

Freq.

Per.

16.

17. 18.

19.

20.

21.

22. 23.

24. 25.

Direction, control and management of Panchayat. Management of Panchayat properties. Advertisement of modern agriculture technologies by Panchayat. Construction and maintenance of cooperative societies. Spread of primary education and its management. To conduct adult education centers and its management. Management of cooperatives. To be responsible for child and maternity 25development centers. Marketing and storage of agricultural produce. Organization of market, fairs, and ferries.

20

26

35

33

46

43

5

5

24

27

36

34

40

38

6

6

27

28

30

28

42

40

7

7

35

33

28

26

36

34

7

7

23

30

32

30

43

41

8

8

20

31

38

36

20

19

28

26

31

32

36

34

35

33

4

4

15

33

32

30

28

26

31

29

25

34

38

36

40

38

3

3

.20

35

37

35

27

25

22

21

The above Table 4.13 shows that the various activities /responsibilities assigned to village panchayat members were considered for the study. It is evident from the Table that in all activities of panchayat women participation was found occasionally participate. Majority of women member were had occasionally participate in such activities like, Control on people working in village (53%), Evaluation of each work after its completion (50%), To rusticate or appoint new persons if sarpanch or panch were irregular (49%), Organization and control of public as well as social activities under Panchayat (49%), Direction, control and management of Panchayat (43%), Evaluation of plans working under Gram sabha (42%), To convey important information related to Gram sabha (42%), Construction, reconstruction and management of Panchayat (42%), Spread of primary education and its management (41%), Suggestions

and plans were given in each meeting of Panchayat (40%), Organization of Gram sabha (40%), To excise timely inspection of Panchayat (39%), Management of health and sanitation in village (39%), Control of plans under construction of Panchayat (38%), Management of Panchayat properties (38%), Marketing and storage of agricultural produce (38%), Construction and maintenance of cooperative societies (34%). Jhamtani (2001), and Arya (2003) revealed the same results. In case of giving seldom participation women members had majority in activities that are, to solve the problems of village women (39%), to present in each meeting of Gram Panchayat (37%), to take action in against, due to irregularity of Panchayat (37%), organization of market, fairs, and ferries (35%), while in organization of market, fairs, and ferries women members always participate because they like to come in market. Chaudhary, (1998) reported the same result. Form the evident of Table 4.13 the score were—allotted and the group were categorized in to three levels. Table 4.14 Extent of Participation of women members of Panchayat (n= 106) S. No. Categories Frequency Percentage 1.

Low participation (less than 22)

2.

Medium participation(between)

3.

High participation (more than 44)

20

19

54

51

32

30

Table 4.14 shows that out of total women members, majority 51 persent had Medium participation towards activities of Panchayat, while 30 per cent of them had High participation followed by low participation in Panchayat with 19 percent. Therefore it can be concluded that Participation of women members of Panchayat was Medium.

39

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4.3 Association between socio-personal, economic and psychological variables with Participation of women members of panchayat To determine the relationship between the selected Dependent variable viz.-Participation with Independent variables viz- Age, Education, Caste, Family size, Occupation, Annual income, Size of land holding, Social participation, Contact with developmental agencies, Political affiliation, Time allocation to panchayat matters, Attitude towards system of panchayat analysis of correlation coefficient (r) was applied. Results are presented in the Table No. 4.15 Table 4.15 Relationship between socio-personal, economic and psychological characteristics and extent of Participation. S.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Independent Variable Value of `r' Age 0.1767 0.2723** Education Caste 0.2665 ** Family size -0.0040 0.2710** Occupation 0.2738** Annual income -0.0640 Size of land holding 0.2762 ** Social participation Contact with developmental agencies 0.2682 ** 0.2745 ** Political affiliation Time allocation to panchayat matters t0.2690** Attitude towards system of panchayat 0.2819 **

Note: ** Significant at 0.01 level of probability. The above Table shows that correlation coefficient "r" between extent of participation of women members in panchayat and age was (0.1767) non significant. It means that age of the respondents was not remarkable influence on their extent of participation. Therefore Hypothesis 3.9.1 was rejected. Normally in meetings of panchayat old age women giving their suggestions by their experience as well as young age women giving

their ideas by general awareness, so age was not matter to evaluate the participation. The relationship between education and extent of participation of women members of panchayat was (0.2723) positive and significant at 1% level of probability. Hence Hypothesis 3.9.2 was accepted. It indicates that as educational level increases and strengthens the capability in decision making, thus giving better participation. Chaudhary, (1998) revealed the same results. It is noticed from Table 4.15 that the relationship between caste and extent of participation of women members of panchayat was (0.2665) positive and significant at 1% level of probability. Hence Hypothesis 3.9.3 was accepted. This reveals that caste was an important factor in panchayat. As the general caste candidate increases the participation also increases because they have good living standard and in case of SC, ST they have reservation and other facilities of Govt. Large percentage of women were belongs to SC, ST and General categories. Jhamtani, (2001) also reported the similar finding. It is seen in Table 4.3 that association between family size was (-0.0040) non significant. Therefore Hypothesis 3.9.4 was rejected. It means that family size of respondents had not influence on their extent of participation of women members of panchayat. Generally women members in panchayat had good participation in panchayat matters. They were educated and aware from their rights. Further it is observed

r

that the relationship between

occupation of respondents and their extent of participation of women members of panchayat wa's (0.2710) positive and significant at 1% level of probability, Hence Hypothesis 3.9.5 was accepted. It means that occupation of women members of panchayat had outstanding influence on their extent of participation in panchayat. Generally agriculture was the main occupation at village level, thus problems related to agriculture were very important in panchayat matter. It is observed that maximum numbers of women members of panchayat 41

doing agriculture as occupation, So that they easily understand the problems of villagers and solved them accordingly, this increases their extent of participation of women of panchayat. Chaudhary, (1998) revealed the same results. It is observed from Table 4.15 that the relationship between annual income and their extent of participation of women members of panchayat was (0.2738) positive and significant at 1% level of probability. Hence Hypothesis 3.9.6 was accepted. That means women members who had medium to higher annual income were found more active in panchayats due to better living of standard and thinking: Prasad, (2004) showed the same results. But, that the relationship between size of land holding and their extent of participation of women members of ,panchayat was (-0.0640) non significant. Therefore Hypothesis 3.9.7 was rejected. It means that size of land holding was not an important factor in extent of participation of women members of panchayat. Where as, the relationship between social participation and their extent of participation of women members of panchayat was (0.2762) positive and significant at 1% level of probability. Hence Hypothesis 3.9.8 was accepted. It means that social participation of the women members had very much influenced on their extent of participation in panchayat. Women members in panchayat having membership in more than one organization, so that they were very active and have knowledge about panchayati raj, this increases their extent of participation in panchayat. Similarly the relationship between contact with developmental agencies and their extent,. of participation of women members of panchayat was (0.2682) positive and significant, at 1% level of probability, Hence Hypothesis 3.9.9 was accepted.That means contact with developmental agencies influences their extent of participation in panchayat. Contact with developmental agencies increases their activity and contact with villagers. Further, it is observed from Table 4.14 that the relationship between political affiliation and their extent of participation of women 42

members of panchayat was positive and significant at 1% level of probability. Hence Hypothesis 3.9.10 was accepted. It shows that political affiliation influences the extent of participation of women members panchayat. It is also observed from Table 4.14 that the relationship between time allocation to panchayat matters and their extent of participation of women members of panchayat was (0.2745) positive and significant at 1% level of probability. Hence Hypothesis 3.9.11 was accepted. That means the women members of panchayat had gave more time to panchayat matters which increases their participation in panchayat. As regards the relationship between attitude towards system of panchayat and their extent of participation of women members of panchayat was (0.2819) positive and significant at 1% level of probability, Hence Hypothesis 3.9.12 was accepted. It means that favorable attitude towards system of panchayat enhances their extent of participation in panchayat, it also increases their interest in panchayat system. 4.4 Constraints/problems in participation in panchayat activities perceived women members. Table 4.16: Constraints/problems perceived by women members in panchayat.

(n=106)

Administrative constraints 1

Bureaucratic apathy,'non

Frequency

%

Rank

73

68.86

1

53.77

II

Co-operation and interference. 2

Meetings are not timely convened.

57

3

Not present timely in office.

30

4

Not interested in panchayat works.

25

23.58

V

5

Favoritism in identification of

40

37.73

IV

47

44.33

III

28.30

VI

beneficiaries for various development schemes/programmes. 6

Lack of need based programmes.

a

7 8 9 10

11 12 13

Communicational constraints Prior information of meeting is not given. Panchayat members are not taken in to confidence for construction works. Some programmes remain limited to paper works No support from Janpad and Zilla panchayats Legal/procedural constraints Dissolution of meetings for want of quorum. -No knowledge of rules & regulations of panchayati raj act. Less powers to women members in panchayat and not well distributed. Procedure of recall/removed of sarpanch is very complicated and cumbersome. Financial/economics constraints

50

47.16

II

65

61.32

I

38

35.84

Ill

27

25.47

IV

42

39.62

11

69

65.09

1

37

34.90

IV

41

38.67

III

81

76.41

I

32

30.18

Ill

17 Construction works are not prioritized as per local needs. Political constraints

62

58.49

II

18

Political interference.

63

59.43

II

19

Lack of co-ordination amongst members. Groupism is encouraged by sarpanch. Lesser trainings are organized at local level there by ruling out maximum participion. Socio-personal constraints

71

66.98

1

55 56

51.88 52.83

IV III

28

26.41

III

39

36.79

II

72

67.92

I

14

15 16

20 21

Lack of funds, grants from out side agencies and inadequate local generation. Funds are expended in other works.

22

Many members are uneducated and ignorant about their responsibilities. 23 Lack of awareness on the part of members about development programmes. 24 Male dominance in panchayat.

A

Table 4.16 shows constraints/obstacles/problems encountered by the women members in panchayat carrying out their day-to-day activities. As the administrative problems major problems were bureaucratic apathy, non—co-operation and interference (68.86 %); meetings are not timely convened (53.77%); favoritism in identification of beneficiaries for various developmental schemes / prgrammes (44.33%); not present timely in office (37.73%) and not interested in panchayat work (23.58%). In communicational constraints, village panchayat members are not taken in to confidence for construction works (56.52%); prior information of meetings is not given (47.16%); some programmes remain limited to paper works (35.84%) and no support from Janpad and Zila panchayats (25.47%). The legal/ procedural constraints reported by village panchayat leaders were having no knowledge of rules and regulations of panchayati raj act (65.09%); dissolution of meetings for want of quorum (39.62%); procedure of recall/removal of sarpanch is very complicated (38.67%) and last one is less powers to women members in panchayat and not well distributed (34.90%). As the financial/economics constraints were the major problems is lack of funds, grants from out side agencies and inadequate local generation (76.41%); construction works are not prioritized as per local needs (58.49%) and funds expended in other works (30.18%). Some of the political constraints faced by village panchayat leaders were lack of co-ordination amongst members (66.98%); political interference (59.43%); lesser trainings are organized at local level there by ruling out maximum participation (52.83%) and groupism is encouraged by sarpanchs (51.88%). As for as socio-personal constrains were Male dominance in panchayat (67.92%); lack of awareness on the part of members about developmental programmes (36.79%) and last is ER

many members are uneducated and ignorant about their responsibilities (26.41%). These findings were supported by the works of Soni (2001), and Shrivastava (2003). Suggestions:-

Table 4.17: Distribution of women Panchayat leaders according to suggestions. (n=106) S.no. Suggestions

Frequency

%

Rank

Administrative suggestions 1.

Panchayat inspector must guide and

67

63.20

IV

92

86.79

1

82

77.35

II

77

72._64

III

88

83.01

II

102

96.22

1

76

71.69

IV

95

89.62

f.

58

54.71

V

cooperate with members of panchayat. 2. "

Panchayat secretary (sachiv) must cooperate with members of panchayat.

3.

Govt. officers must frequently inspect the work done by panchayat

4.

Panch must be active and should cooprate with sarpanch Technical suggestions

1.

Panchayat leaders must have technical knowledge in related field.

2.

Panchayat leaders must have knowledge about needs and problems Social suggestions

1.

Caste should not influence the work of panchayat

2.

There should be no groupism in panchayat

3.

More number of members from same family should not be in panchayat.

4.

Villagers cooperation is essential.

85

80.18

III

5.

There should be no orthodoxiam in

88

83.01

Ii

103

97.16

90

84.90

II

82

77.35

III

75

70.75

IV

75

70.75

IV

98

92.45

1

90

84.90

II

panchayat. Economical suggestions 1.

Panchayat- must, get sufficient finances.

2.

Timely availability of money should be make by Govt.

3.

Timely payment of all-ty-pes of text is essential.

4.

The fund of panchayat must be use for village development. Political suggestions

1.

Local leader should not interfere in the proceedings of panchayat.

2.

Co-operation between different political parties is must.

3.

Political leaders must cooperate with panchayat.

4.

-

There should not be political process.

80

75.47

III

82

77.35

IV

103

97.16

1

Personal suggestion 1.

Panchayat members must give time for panchayat works.

2.

There should not be gender biasness in panchayat.

3.

Execution of work must be proper.

88

83.01

III

4.

Time to time training should be

91

85.84

11

79

74.52

V

provided for panchayat members. 5.

Panchayat must get proper facilities.

Data in Table 4.17 shows suggestions of women panchayat members to improve their extent of participation in panchayat, for smooth working of panchayat. 47

The suggestions were divided in six categories viz:d Administrative, Technical, Social, Economical, Political, and Personal suggestions and giving them ranking according to the percentage. Out of these majority of women members felt that panchayat secretary (sachiv) must cooperate with members of panchayat (86.79%), Panchayat leaders must have knowledge about needs and problems (96.22%), There should be no groupism in panchayat (89.62%), panchayat must get sufficient finances (97.16), cooperation between different political parties is must (92.45%), and there should not be gender biasness in panchayat (97.16%). These all suggestions were necessary to maintain successful participation of women members in panchayat and smooth running of panchayat activities. The findings of the present study are in conformity with findings of Chaudhary, (1998).

SUMMERY & CONCLUSION

CHAPTER - V SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION This chapter is a concise from of the thesis entitled "A study on participation of women members of panchayats in khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh." as it deals with summary and conclusion. Summary:India, the largest democratic country is agrarian in character. The administration in the country is democratic where institutions of Panchayati Raj had place of right in the constitution. To implement rural development programmes and to manage rural life pattern the power has been decentralized to panchayats. Women in India have been given always a secondary status in the society. They are considered as passive beneficiaries' rather active contributor. Rural women were subjected to discrimination of .all sorts and are denied equality of status and opportunities in social, economical, and political sphere despite their significant contribution. to the social and economic progress of the country. Realizing the need promote weaker sections and significance of village panchayat in all round development of villages, Govt. of India implement 73rd constitutional act to bring out a significant change in attitude, behavior and performance of the rustic folk in India on 24 April 1992, Article 243 (D) makes the provision for the one third reservation of seats for women Participation of rural women at all the three tier of panchayat viz:- Zila panchayat, Janpad panchayat, and Gram panchayat in state of Madhya Pradesh have secured significant contribution in the process of rural community. In M.P. out of 48 district 22931 village panchayat are working. In Khandwa district 60 Gram panchayats are working successfully, out of which 20 panchayats are headed by women sarpanch.

The process and development are not the matter of overnight process. Working as Panchayat leader is new experience to the rural women. The inherited shyness of women would need a suiTable environment and considerable time to explore its efficiency and capabilities. To analyze the extent of participation of women members in panchayat is very important in developing agricultural, economical, and political for rural mass as well as their own development. •

Considering the past status and present functioning of women

members in panchayat, this research study has been undertaken with a view to identify the factor responsible for participation of women members in panchayat including sarpanch and panches. Khandwa district comprises 7 blocks (Janpad Panchayats), out of which one block i.e. Khandwa Janpad Panchayat has been selected purposively for the present investigation due to proximity with the village and influence of different development agencies located nearly the headquarters Janpad Panchayat of Khandwa district. This Janpad Panchayat also ensures better implementation of the developmental programmes.Khandwa Janpad Panchayat Comprises of 60- Gram Panchayats. Out of which 20 Gram Panchayat are headed by women and 331 women are working in this block. For the study all women headed Gram panchayats have been selected. There are 20 women Sarpanches and 108 women panchs working in these women headed gram - panchyats. All 20 women sarpanchs and about 80% of total women panchs were randomly selected, to make the sample 106 respondents. , So that present study entitled "A study on participation of women members of panchayats in khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh." was planned and conducted with fallowing specific objectives:1. To know the socio-personal, economic and psychological profile of women members of panchayat.

Q97

2. To assess the extent of participation of women members of panchayat. 3. To find out the extent of association between socio-personal, economic and psychological variables with participation of women members of panchayat. 4. To identify the constraints for less participation of women members in Panchayat and suggestions for more participation of women members of panchayat. ➢ Profile of women members of panchayat The study was conducted in Kahandwa district of Madhya Pradesh with sample of 10-6 women members in panchayat, which was drawn from 20 villages of Kahandwa block. The information was collected with the help of personal interview. The findings are summarized as below:It was observed that most (45%) of the respondents were in the middle age group, while 38 percent and 17 percent of respondents were from old and young age group respectively. An average age of respondents was 35 years. 44 % of the respondents had literate that means they can read and write only, while 25 percent women members were illiterate and 24 percent respondents was educated up to primary level and rest were eructated up to middle, high school and above. Most (38%) of the respondents belonged to general caste, while 37 percent, and 25 percent respondents belonged SC/ST, and other backward caste respectively. Most (48%) of the respondents belonged to medium size family, while 27 percent, and 25 percent respondents belonged to small size family and large size family respectively. So on an average there was 6 to 10 members in the respondents family. Most (40%) of the respondents had agriculture as main occupation, while 34 percent of respondents done labour work .Maximum (38%) respondents were had medium group of annual income while 25 percent of them were from tow income group.

51

Maximum (34%) respondents had sizel.81 to 2.80 ha. of land holding, while 2 percent had Up to 0.1 to 0.43 ha. size of land holding. Maximum 31 percent of the respondents had no membership in any other organization, while 19 percent had membership in one any other organization in social organization. Most (42%) of the respondents had high level contact with developmental agencies, while 22 percent of the respondent had minimum contact with any developmental agencies. Majority (73%) of the respondents had affiliated to political party, while 27 percent of the respondents had not affiliated with any political party. Majority (46%) of the respondents had given more time to panchayat matters, while 26 percent had given less time to panchayat. Majority (57%) of the respondents had more favorable attitude towards system of panchayat, while 18 percent of the respondents had less favorable attitude towards system of panchayat. ➢ Extent of participation of women members of panchayats. Women members of panchayat were giving always participation (33%) for taking responsibility for child and maternity development centers, while 35% were giving always and seldom participation in organization of market, fairs and ferries. To present in each meeting of Gram panchayat the extent of participation of women members of panchayat had seldom participate, as well as to solving village women problems, to take action in against due to irregularity of panchayat, to conduct adult education and management of cooperatives societies they had seldom participation, between the range of 34% to 44 % In organization of Gram sabha, to give suggestions and plans in each meeting of Gram sabha, to convey important information related to Gram sabha, to control on people working in village, organization and control of public as well as social activities under panchayat, evolution of each work after completion, to rusticate or appoint new persons if surpanchs or panchs were irregular, to excise timely inspection of panchayat, management of health and sanitation in 52

village, construction ,reconstruction and management of panchayat, direction, control, and management of panchayat, management of panchayat properties, extension of modern agriculture technologies by panchayat, construction and maintenance of cooperative societies, extension of primary education and its management, marketing and storage of agriculture produce, the participation of women members of panchayat were occasionally participate, and the between the range of 34% to 54%. > Relationship between profile of women members with extent of participation of women members of panchayat. It was observed that the relationship between education, caste, occupation, annual income, social participation, contact with developmental agencies, political affiliation, time allocation to panchayat matters, attitude towards system of panchayat, and extent of participation of women members in panchayat were positive and - significant at 1% level, while the relationship between age ,family size, size of land holding, and participation of women members of panchayat was non significant at 1% level of confidence. > Constraints/problems perceived by women members in performing their participation in panchayat. The major constraints/problems reported by the women members in panchayat their participation were as fallowing: As the administrative-problem was bureaucratic apathy, non cooperation and interference, With regards to communicational constraint panchayat members are not taken in to confidence in construction works. In legal/ procedural constraint reported by women members were no knowledge of rules and regulations of panchayati raj act. As the financial/economic constraints the major problem was lack of funds, some of the political constraints faced by women members were lack of co-ordination amongst members, in socio-

53

personal major constraint of women members was male dominance in panchayat. Suggestions of women members to improve their extent of participation in panchayat. Majority of the women members in panchayat suggested that panchayat officials should co-operative, they have knowledge about rural needs and problems, there should not be any groupism in panchayat, adequate and timely fund should be provided to panchayat and there should be co-operation between different political parties. Apart from these, maximum women members suggested there should not be gender biasness in panchayat. Conclusion: . On the basis of present research study entitled "A study on participation of women members of panchayats in khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh "the fallowing conclusion has been drawn: 1) The present study has made a profile of women members in panchayat based on their personal socio-economic and psychological characteristics. It was found the women members were middle age, less educated, belongs to general and SC/ST caste, having medium size of family doing agriculture as main occupation, belongs to medium group of annual income, holding 1.81 to 2.80 ha. size of land, having no participation in any other organization and high contact with developmental agencies, affiliated by any political party, and favorable attitude towards system of panchayat. 2) The investigation led to conclude that the women members had medium extent of participation in panchayat. This suggests the scope for increasing their participation in panchayat, which could be done by instilling confidence among them by way of giving them different trainings, meetings etc.

54

3) It was noticed that majority of women members were being done all functions of panchayat. They have an important position in the panchayat, but still they were not independent in decision making. It is suggested to women member should be motivated, and giving them training and providing them social facilities for better participation. 4) The women members had significant participation in all functions of panchayat, applicable to them became clear from the findings of the present study, this suggests interest of women members must be initiated to work activity rather them -attending the meeting passively. 5) The correlation analysis revealed that the middle age, literate women members belonging to joint family of medium size with medium group of annual income, having no participation in any other organization and high contact with developmental agencies, affiliated to a political party with favorable attitude towards system of panchayat had participation in panchayat to a greater extent. These finding are helpful in planning of different Govt. schemes for panchayat and rural development. It will also helpful in solution of administrative, political, financial, and technical problem of women members in panchayat. 6) The value of multiple determination indicated that only 22.43% variation in the extent of participation of women members in panchayat and it was explained by selected independent variables. This implies that future researcher will try to identify the other factor responsible for deducting the extent of participation of women members of panchayat. 7) The study has identified the difficulties faced by the women members in panchayat, which are adherence for devoting full participation. The difficulties reported by women members were related to education, knowledge, gender equality, rights of their

55

position and so on. The Government and non-government interventions should facilitate and promote women participation in panchayat. 8) The study has identified suggestions by women members in panchayat. From all suggestion, it was conclude that to create better participation; interference of family members of women should be discouraged. This is one of the major factors affecting efficiency of women members in panchayat. To get benefit of reservation -women should be encouraged to fight elections.

56

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'Arora, S. and Prabhakar, R.K. (1997). "A study of municipal council elections in India": Socioecinomic background of women candidates in Rohtak, Haryana". Economic & Political Weekly, Vol. (37):918-926. Ayanwal B.A.(2004)"Local government investment in agriculture and rural development in Osun state in Nigeria" J Social science, vol. 9 (2):85-90. Bhargava, B.S. and Raohae, Jos C. (1994). "Working of Gram Sabha in Karnataka": A study at micro level.

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Development, Vol. 13 (2):162. Bhargava, B.S and Vidya, K.C. (1992). "Position of women in political institutions". J. Rural Development, Vol. 11 (5): 601-628. Chandrashekhar, B.K. and Anand Inbanathan (1991). "Profile and participation of women Zilla Parishad and Mandal t

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APPENDIX

QUESTIONARRY Topic of research : Participation of women member of panchayat. Duration of research : 2007-08 Information source : Women sarpanch and panch under Janpad panchayat Khandwa. General information — Name — .............................. Gram panchayat — .............................. Post - ............................... (1)Age- .................years. (2) Educational status - illiterate/ Literate / Primary/ Middle and above. (3) Caste — Sc, ST/ OBC/ GEN. (4) Family Size — Total number of family members ............................ (5) Annual Income — Total annual income of family members ............... Rs. Are you have injdependent source of annual income, if yes then ......... Rs. (6) Occupation — Agriculture/ Agriculture+Labour/ Labour/ Other. (7) Size of land holding — Total size of land ..................................hac. Total irrigated land ............................. hac. Total unirrigated land ...........................hac. Total fallow land ................................. hac. (8) Social participation —'Are you member of any institution/ organization/ other then panchayat ? Yes/ No If ves, then Give their name :S.No. Name of Organization Member/Officer Period of membership.

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(8) Contact with developmental agencies — At district headquarter, whether you contact with different department for village development? Yes/ No If yes, then explain:Daily Weekly Monthly S.No. Department Agriculture 1. 2. Veterinary science and animal science 3. Health deparment Gram panchyat 4. 5. Education 6. Electricity 7. Small scale inductaries Non government organization 8. 9. Other (11) Time allocation -- Explain your distribution for different panchayat activities. S.No. 1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

6. 7.

Activities Regular Supervision of construction work under pachayat. Extension of child & adult education. inspection of development work conducted by Government. Participation in meetings of panchayat. Supervision of distribution , of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to the farmers. To solve problems and disputes of villagers. Maintance of civilized and proper environment.

Irregular

As per required

Never

8.

9.

10.

11. 12.

To participate actively in chrcha mandal and mahila mandal. In marketing availability of primary health facilities family welfare, vaccination and drinking water facilities. Encouraging animal husbandry, agro, social forestry. Contacting Janpad and Zila panchayat. Receiving trainings

(12)Attitude towards system of panchayat — S.No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

10.

11.

Agree Thoughts Panchayat system is very helpful for villagers. All activities of panchayat are done for village development. Panchayat members elected from village. The activities of panchayat inspected by sarpanch. Sarpanch is responsible for all functions in panchayat. All function related to leadership are done by sarpanch. The inspection of panchayat is done time to time. Your presence \is essential in each meeting of panchayat. In each meeting of gram panchayat you should suggest according to need. The planning of programmes for village development by sarpanch and panch according to availability of local conditions. There is lack of quality in works done through the panchayat. ix

No opinion

Disagree

12. 13. 14. 15.

All posted members are done their work effectively. There should be monopoly of sarpanch in the panchayat. The formalities in paper work are helpful for their time) execution. There should be monopoly of special political party in panchayat.

❖ In which functions you are participate in panchayat? S.No.

Functions of Panchayat

1.

To present in each meeting of Gram Panchayat. Suggestions and plans were given in each meeting of Panchayat. Organization of Gram Sabha. Evaluation of plans working under Gram Sabha. To convey important information related to Gram sabha. Control on people working in village. Organization and control of public as well as social activities under Panchayat. To solve the problems of village women. Control of plans under construction of Panchayat. Evaluation of each work after its completion. To rusticate or appoint

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9. 10. 11.

Always Participate

Seldom participate

Occasionally participate

Never participate

•

12. 13.

14. 15.

16.

17. 18.

19.

20.

21.

22. 23.

24.

new persons if sarpanch or anch were irregular. To excise timely inspection of Panchayat. To take action in against, due to irregularity of Panchayat. Management of health and sanitation in village. Construction, reconstruction and management of Panchayat. Direction, control and management of Panchayat. Management of Panchayat properties. Advertisement of modern agriculture technologies by Panchayat. Construction and maintenance of cooperative societies. Spread of primary education and its management. To conduct adult education centers and its management. Management of cooperatives. To be responsible for child and maternity 25development centers. Marketing and storage of agricultural produce. Organization of market, fairs, and ferries. `

25.

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•• Constraints/problems in participation in panchayat activities perceived women members. Administrative constraints 1

Yes

Bureaucratic apathy, non Co-operation and interference.

2

Meetings are not timely convened.

3

Not present timely in office.

4

Not interested in panchayat works.

5

Favoritism in identification of beneficiaries for various development schemes/programmes.

6

Lack of need based programmes. Communicational constraints 7 Prior information of meeting is not given. 8 Panchayat members are not taken in - to confidence for construction works. 9 Some programmes remain limited to paper works T1 No support from Janpad and Zilla panchayats Legallprocedural constraints 11 Dissolution of meetings for want of quorum. 12 No knowledge of rules & regulations of panchayati raj act. 13 Less powers to women members in panchayat and not well distributed. 14 Procedure of recall/removed of sarpanch is very complicated and cumbersome. Financial/economics constraints 15 Lack of funds, grants from out side agencies and inadequate local generation. 16 Funds are expended in other works. 17

Construction works are not prioritized as per local needs. Political constraints

xii

No

18 Political interference. 19 Lack of co-ordination amongst members. 20 Groupism is encouraged by sarpanch. 21 Lesser trainings are organized at local level there by ruling out maximum participation. Socio-personal constraints Many members are uneducated and ignorant about their responsibilities. 23 Lack of awareness on the part of members about development programmes. 24 Male dominance in panchayat.

22

• Suggestions given by women members of panchayat S.no.

Suggestions Administrative suggestions

1.

Panchayat inspector must guide and cooperate with members of panchayat.

2.

Panchayat secretary (sachiv) must cooperate with members of panchayat.

3.

Govt. officers must frequently inspect the work done by panchayat

4.

Panch 'must be active and should cooprate with sarpanch Technical suggestions

1.

Panchayat leaders must have technical knowledge in related field.

2.

Panchayat leaders must have knowledge about needs and problems Social suggestions

1.

Caste should not influence the work of panchayat

2.

There should be no groupism in panchayat

Yes

No

3.

More number of members from same family should not be in panchayat.

4.

Villagers cooperation is essential.

5.

There should be no orthodoxiam in panchayat. Economical suggestions

1.

Panchayat must get sufficient finances.

2.

Timely availability ofmoney should be make by Govt.

3.

Timely payment of all types of text is essential.

4.

The fund of panchayat must be use for village development. Political suggestions

1.

Local leader should not interfere in the proceedings of panchayat.

2.

Co-operation between different political parties is must.

3.

Political leaders must cooperate with panchayat.

4.

There should not be political process. Personal suggestion

1.

Panchayat members must give time for panchayat works.

2.

There should not be gender biasness in panchayat.

3.

Execution of work must be proper.

4.

Time to time training should be provided for panchayat members.

5.

Panchayat must get proper facilities.

xiv

VISA ~thor of this thesis 1u.Ape/ sha Soni D/o Dr. O.P. Soni was bourn on 3 Sep.1984 lore She has completed her hqher secondary from Seth Guru Prashad 4grwai r Secondary Schoo(J-(oshangabad (M.P). pined College of 9lgriculture, Indore and successfully completed her B.Sc. (~Lg.) in the year 2006 with an OC~P I of 7.45 out of 10.00 scare. Subsequent to Fier ation, she joined the Department of Extension Education and Rural sociology at e for her Post graduation. She completed alt the course requirements for Master's e in the yea r2006-200 7, securing an Oi YP9L of 7.7 out of10.00 scare. the partial fulfillment of MMMfaster's degree site was allotted need based research rem; ' i Study on Participation of women members in pannehayats of 7(handwa. ict of Madhya Pradesh" which was successfully completed 6y Fier and presented in orm of this thesis.

-

ing her studies, she actively participated in several social and cultural activities at 5choof and College level