Empowering Dalit Women in Panchayati Raj: Insights from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh

This study explores the political participation of Dalit women in Panchayati Raj Institutions with a specific focus on Ghazipur district in Uttar Pradesh. While the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act mandated reservations for women in local governance, its implementation has revealed persistent barriers shaped by caste, gender, and entrenched power structures. Drawing on secondary sources and contextual analysis, the paper examines the extent to which Dalit women engage meaningfully in Panchayat elections and governance processes. It highlights critical issues such as proxy leadership, limited political awareness, and the double marginalization experienced by Dalit women. The review also considers the impact of capacity-building initiatives and the evolving role of PRIs in addressing rural development. The findings suggest that although reservation policies have facilitated increased representation, real empowerment remains contingent on structural changes, sustained training programs, and shifts in community attitudes. The study calls for localized interventions and inclusive policy frameworks to ensure that the democratic potential of PRIs translates into substantive participation and leadership for Dalit women in rural India.