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 ( . . .SWARNKAR)

Date: 2—'' \') ' Chairman of the Advisory Committee
THESIS APPROVED BY THE STUDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Chairman
Member
Member
Dr. V.K. Swarnkar
Dr. M.M. Patel
Dr. A.M. Rajput
cTii
Member Dr. V.B. Singh
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 (Dr. V.K Swarnkar)

Date: j 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
9 Economics and Farm Management,
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 Page No.
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
i-v
Appendix vi-xiv
Vita
LIST OF TABLES
Table.No. Name of Table Page No.
4.1 Distribution of women members of Panchayat 29

according to their Age
4.2 Distribution of women- members of Panchayat 30

according to their Educational status

according to their Caste.

according to their Family size.

according to their Occupation.

according to their Annual income.

according to their Size of land holding.

according to their Social participation.

according to their Contact with developmental
agencies.
according to their Political affiliation
4.11 Distribution _ of women members of Panchayat 35

according to their time allocation to panchayat
matters

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 46-47

suggestions.
LIST OF FIGURES
[Figure No. Particulars After

pages
1 Distribution of age of women members of 29

panchayat.
2 Level of educational status of women members 30

of panchayat
3 Distribution of caste of women members of 30
panchayat.
4 Distribution of family size of women members of 31
panchayat.
5 Distribution of occupation of women members of 31

panchayat.
6 Income group of women members of panchayat -

32
7 Distribution of size of land holding of women 32

members of panchayat.
8 Social participation women members of 33

panchayat
9 Contact with developmental agencies of women 34

members of panchayat
10 Affiliation of political women members of 34

panchayat
11 Distribution of women members according to their 35

time allocation towards system of panchayat.
12 Distribution of women members in panchayat 35

according to their attitude towards the system of
panchayat.
13 Extent of Participation of women members of 39

panchayat
14 Distribution of participation of women members of 39

panchayat.
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
4. To identify the constraints for less participation of women members
in panchayat and suggestions for more participation of women
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. Features In Khandwa In Khandwa

district block
1. Geographical situation
Latitude (North) 21°33' to 22°25' 21°45' to 22°45'
Longitude (East) 76°10' to 77°13' 76°15' to 76°37'
2. Mean sea level (meters) 754 368
3. Total geographical area (ha) 493071 65023
4. Total cultivated area (ha) 230 213
5. Net sown area (ha) 304399 46295
6. Fallow land (ha) 9705 2494
7. - Total forest area (ha) 26957 1141
8. Total irrigated area (ha) 113898 17254
9. Annual rainfall (mm.) 650.60 736
10. Total number of blocks 07 01
11. Total village panchayats 423 60
12. Total number of villages 6963 96
13. Total population 1078251 144645
14. Total literacy percentage 61.71 69.30
15. Average temperature (C) -
Maximum 32.42
Minimum 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. Socio-personal & Economic
variables
1. 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 Self scoring

11. Time allocation to panchayat 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 Score
1. Scheduled caste/Scheduled Tribe 1
2. Other back word caste 2
3. General 3
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) -
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:
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:
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
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
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:
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 x of n
observation x1, 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.
Z
x 2 — ( X)
S.D. = 1
n n
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

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

8. There is significant association between political affiliation and

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,
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 socio-

personal 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 (n= 106)
S.No. Education levels Frequency 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
according to their Caste. (n = 106)
S.No. Caste 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
according to their Family size. (n = 106)
S.No. Family Type and Size __ 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
according to their Occupation. (n = 106)
S.No. Occupation Frequency 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

48% members)
Distribution of occupation of women

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
according to their Annual Income. (n = 106)
S.No. Annual Income Group Frequency Percentage (%)
1. Low income group (Rs. 20,000 27 25

to 40,000)
2. Middle income group (Rs. 40 38
40,000 to Rs. 60,000)
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. (n = 106)
S.No. Size of land holding Frequency Percentage (%)
1. Landless (Without any land 24 23

ownership)
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
o Low income group (Rs.
25%
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, ❑ Landless (Without any land

/0
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
according to their Social Participation. (n = 106)
S.No. Social Participation Frequency Percentage (%)
_1. No membership in any other 33 31

organization
2. Membership in one any other 20 19
organization
3' Member in more then one any 31 29
other organization
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
o No membership in any other
organization
1%
o Membership in one any other
organization
® Member in more then one any

other organization
■ Office bearer in any organizati.

2C other
Ill -~
9. Contact with developmental agencies
The contact with developmental agencies of women members are
according to their Contact with developmental agencies.
(n = 106)
S.No. Contact with developmental Frequency Percentage (%)
agencies
1' Minimum contact (less than 2) 23 22
2' Medium contact (between) 38 36
3. Maximum contact ( above 7) 45 42

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 Percentage (%)
t. Not affiliated any political party 29 27
2. Affiliated to a political party 7 73

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

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
according to their time allocation to panchayat matters (n = 106)
S.No. Time allocation to panchayat Frequency Percentage (%)

matters
1' Minimum (less than 23) 20 28
2. Medium (between) 38 26
Maximum (above 32) 48 46
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. (n = 106)
S.No. Attitude towards the system of Frequency Percentage (%)
Panchayat
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

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. (n = 106 )
S.No. Functions of Panchayat Always Seldom Occasionally Never
Freq. Per. Freq. Per. Freq. Per. Freq. Per.
1. To present in each 23 22 39 37 38 36 6 6
meeting of Gram
Panchayat.
2. Suggestions and plans 28---- 13 34 32 42 40 2 2
were given in each
meeting of Panchayat.
3. Organization of Gram 26 14 32 30 42 40 6 6
sabha.
4. Evaluation of plans 23 15 36 34 44 42 3 3
working under Gram
Sabha.
5, To convey important. 29 16 28 26 45 42 4 4
information related to
Gram sabha.
6. Control on people 21 17 23 22 56 53 6 6
working in village.
7. Organization and control 15 18 31 29 52 49 8 8
of public as well as
social activities under
Panchayat.
8. To solve the problems of 39 37 41 39 23 22 3 3
village women.
9. Control of plans under 23 20 34 32 40 38 9 8
construction of
Panchayat.
10. Evaluation of each work 21 21 28 26 53 50 4 4%
after its completion.
11. To rusticate or appoint 16 22 31 29 52 49 7 7
new persons if sarpanch
or panch were irregular.
12. To excise timely 24 25 34 32 41 39 7 7
inspection of Panchayat.
13. To take action in 23 24 39 37 26 25 18 17
against, due to
irregularity of Panchayat.
14. Management of health 25 25 35 33 41 39 5 5
and sanitation in village.
15. Construction, 24 25 32 30 44 42 6 6
reconstruction and
management of
Panchayat.
37
16. Direction, control and 20 26 35 33 46 43 5 5
management of
Panchayat.
17. Management of 24 27 36 34 40 38 6 6
Panchayat properties.
18. Advertisement of 27 28 30 28 42 40 7 7
modern agriculture
technologies by
Panchayat.
19. Construction and 35 33 28 26 36 34 7 7
maintenance of co-
operative societies.
20. Spread of primary 23 30 32 30 43 41 8 8
education and its
management.
21. To conduct adult 20 31 38 36 20 19 28 26
education centers and
its management.
22. Management of co- 31 32 36 34 35 33 4 4
operatives.
23. To be responsible for 15 33 32 30 28 26 31 29
child and maternity
25development centers.
24. Marketing and storage of 25 34 38 36 40 38 3 3
agricultural produce.
25. Organization of market, .20 35 37 35 27 25 22 21
fairs, and ferries.
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 co-
operative 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)
20 19
2. Medium participation(between)
54 51
3. High participation (more than 44)
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
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. Independent Variable Value of `r'

1 Age 0.1767
2 Education 0.2723**
3 Caste 0.2665 **
4 Family size -0.0040
5 Occupation 0.2710**
6 Annual income 0.2738**
7 Size of land holding -0.0640
8 Social participation 0.2762 **
9 Contact with developmental agencies 0.2682 **
10 Political affiliation 0.2745 **
11 Time allocation to panchayat matters t0.2690**
12 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
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 Frequency % Rank
1 Bureaucratic apathy,'non 73 68.86 1
Co-operation and interference.
2 Meetings are not timely convened. 57 53.77 II
3 Not present timely in office. 30 28.30 VI
4 Not interested in panchayat works. 25 23.58 V
5 Favoritism in identification of 40 37.73 IV
beneficiaries for various development
schemes/programmes.
6 Lack of need based programmes. 47 44.33 III
a
Communicational constraints
7 Prior information of meeting is not 50 47.16 II
given.
8 Panchayat members are not taken in 65 61.32 I
to confidence for construction works.
9 Some programmes remain limited to 38 35.84 Ill
paper works
10 No support from Janpad and Zilla 27 25.47 IV
panchayats
Legal/procedural constraints
11 Dissolution of meetings for want of 42 39.62 11
quorum. --
12 No knowledge of rules & regulations 69 65.09 1
of panchayati raj act.
13 Less powers to women members in 37 34.90 IV
panchayat and not well distributed.
14 Procedure of recall/removed of 41 38.67 III
sarpanch is very complicated and
cumbersome.
Financial/economics constraints
15 Lack of funds, grants from out side 81 76.41 I
agencies and inadequate local
generation.
16 Funds are expended in other works. 32 30.18 Ill
17 Construction works are not prioritized 62 58.49 II
as per local needs.
Political constraints
18 Political interference. 63 59.43 II
19 Lack of co-ordination amongst 71 66.98 1
members.
20 Groupism is encouraged by sarpanch. 55 51.88 IV
21 Lesser trainings are organized at 56 52.83 III
local level there by ruling out
maximum participion.
Socio-personal constraints
22 Many members are uneducated and 28 26.41 III
ignorant about their responsibilities.
23 Lack of awareness on the part of 39 36.79 II
members about development
programmes.
24 Male dominance in panchayat. 72 67.92 I
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
cooperate with members of
panchayat.
2. " Panchayat secretary (sachiv) must 92 86.79 1
cooperate with members of
panchayat.
3. Govt. officers must frequently inspect 82 77.35 II
the work done by panchayat
4. Panch must be active and should 77 72._64 III
cooprate with sarpanch
Technical suggestions
1. Panchayat leaders must have 88 83.01 II

technical knowledge in related field.
2. Panchayat leaders must have 102 96.22 1
knowledge about needs and problems
Social suggestions
1. Caste should not influence the work 76 71.69 IV

of panchayat
2. There should be no groupism in 95 89.62 f.
panchayat
3. More number of members from same 58 54.71 V
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
panchayat.
Economical suggestions
1. Panchayat- must, get sufficient 103 97.16
finances.
2. Timely availability of money should 90 84.90 II
be make by Govt.
3. Timely payment of all-ty-pes of text is 82 77.35 III
essential.
4. The fund of panchayat must be use 75 70.75 IV
for village development.
Political suggestions
1. Local leader should not interfere in 75 70.75 IV
the proceedings of panchayat.
2. Co-operation between different 98 92.45 1
political parties is must.
3. Political leaders must cooperate with 90 84.90 II
panchayat. -
4. There should not be political process. 80 75.47 III

Personal suggestion
1. Panchayat members must give time 82 77.35 IV
for panchayat works.
2. There should not be gender biasness 103 97.16 1
in panchayat.
3. Execution of work must be proper. 88 83.01 III
4. Time to time training should be 91 85.84 11
provided for panchayat members.
5. Panchayat must get proper facilities. 79 74.52 V
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), co-
operation 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,
4. To identify the constraints for less participation of women members
in Panchayat and suggestions for more participation of women
➢ 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

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 co-

operation 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
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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vi
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.
vii
(8) Contact with developmental agencies —
At district headquarter, whether
you contact with different department for village development? Yes/ No
If yes, then explain:-
S.No. Department Daily Weekly Monthly
1. Agriculture
2. Veterinary science and animal science
3. Health deparment
4. Gram panchyat
5. Education
6. Electricity
7. Small scale inductaries
8. Non government organization
9. Other
(11) Time allocation -- Explain your distribution for different panchayat activities.
S.No. Activities Regular Irregular As per required Never

1. Supervision of
construction work
under pachayat.
2. Extension of child &
adult education.
3. inspection of
development work
conducted by
Government.
4. Participation in
meetings of
panchayat.
5. Supervision of
distribution , of
seeds, fertilizers,
and pesticides to
the farmers.
6. To solve problems
and disputes of
villagers.
7. Maintance of
civilized and proper
environment.
8. To participate
actively in chrcha
mandal and mahila
mandal.
9. In marketing
availability of
primary health
facilities family
welfare, vaccination
and drinking water
facilities.
10. Encouraging animal
husbandry, agro,
social forestry.
11. Contacting Janpad
and Zila panchayat.
12. Receiving trainings
(12)Attitude towards system of panchayat —
S.No. Thoughts Agree No opinion Disagree

1. Panchayat system is very helpful for
villagers.
2. All activities of panchayat are done
for village development.
3. Panchayat members elected from
village.
4. The activities of panchayat
inspected by sarpanch.
5. Sarpanch is responsible for all
functions in panchayat.
6. All function related to leadership are
done by sarpanch.
7. The inspection of panchayat is done
time to time.
8. Your presence \is essential in each
meeting of panchayat.
9. In each meeting of gram panchayat
you should suggest according to
need.
10. The planning of programmes for
village development by sarpanch
and panch according to availability
of local conditions.
11. There is lack of quality in works
done through the panchayat.
ix
12. All posted members are done their
work effectively.
13. There should be monopoly of
sarpanch in the panchayat.
14. The formalities in paper work are
helpful for their time) execution.
15. There should be monopoly of special
political party in panchayat.
❖ In which functions you are participate in panchayat?
S.No. Functions of Panchayat Always Seldom Occasionally Never

Participate participate participate participate
1. To present in each
meeting of Gram
Panchayat.
2. Suggestions and plans
were given in each
meeting of Panchayat.
3. Organization of Gram
Sabha.
4. Evaluation of plans
working under Gram
Sabha.
5. To convey important
information related to
Gram sabha.
6. Control on people
working in village.
7. Organization and control
of public as well as
social activities under
Panchayat.
8. To solve the problems of
village women.
9. Control of plans under
construction of
Panchayat.
10. Evaluation of each work
after its completion.
11. To rusticate or appoint
• new persons if sarpanch
or anch were irregular.
12. To excise timely
inspection of Panchayat.
13. To take action in
against, due to
irregularity of Panchayat.
14. Management of health
and sanitation in village.
15. Construction,
reconstruction and
management of
Panchayat.
16. Direction, control and
management of
Panchayat.
17. Management of
Panchayat properties.
18. Advertisement of
modern agriculture
technologies by
Panchayat.
19. Construction and
maintenance of co-
operative societies.
20. Spread of primary
education and its
management.
21. To conduct adult
education centers and
its management.
22. Management of co-
operatives.
23. To be responsible for
child and maternity
25development centers.
24. Marketing and storage of
agricultural produce. `
25. Organization of market,

fairs, and ferries.
xi
•• Constraints/problems in participation in panchayat activities
perceived women members.
Administrative constraints Yes No

1 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
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
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.
• Suggestions given by women members of panchayat -
S.no. Suggestions Yes No

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
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

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STUDY ON PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN MEMBERS

OF PANCHAYATS IN KHANDWA DISTRICT OF

Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.)

Department of Extension Education and Rural Sociology

This is to certify that the thesis entitled "A STUDY ON PARTICIPATION OF

Place: Indore ( . . .SWARNKAR)

THESIS APPROVED BY THE STUDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE

This is to certify that the thesis entitled "A STUDY ON PARTICIPATION

Place: Indore (Dr. V.K Swarnkar)

MEMBERS OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Chairman ( Dr. V.K. Swarnkar)

Head of the Depar ent/Section

S.No. Chapter Page No.

II. Review of literature 5-13

III. Material and Methods 14-27

IV. Result and Discussion 38-48

V. Summary and Conclusion 50-55

Table.No. Name of Table Page No.

4.1 Distribution of women members of Panchayat 29

4.2 Distribution of women- members of Panchayat 30

4.3 Distribution of women members of Panchayat 30

4.4 Distribution of women members of Panchayat 31

4.5 Distribution of women members of Panchayat 31

4.6 Distribution of women members of Panchayat 32

4.7 Distribution of women members of Panchayat 32

4.8 Distribution of women members of Panchayat 33

4.9 Distribution of women members of Panchayat 34

4.11 Distribution _ of women members of Panchayat 35

4.12 Distribution of women members of Panchayat 35

4.13 Distribution of extent of participation of women 37-38

4,14 Extent of Participation of women members of 39

4-15 Relationship between socio-personal, economic and - 40

psychological characteristics and exent of

4.16 Contraints/problems in participation in panchayat 43-44

4-17 Distribution of women',panchayat leaders according to 46-47

[Figure No. Particulars After

1 Distribution of age of women members of 29

2 Level of educational status of women members 30

5 Distribution of occupation of women members of 31

6 Income group of women members of panchayat -

7 Distribution of size of land holding of women 32

8 Social participation women members of 33

9 Contact with developmental agencies of women 34

10 Affiliation of political women members of 34

11 Distribution of women members according to their 35

12 Distribution of women members in panchayat 35

13 Extent of Participation of women members of 39

14 Distribution of participation of women members of 39

Limitation of the Study:

A comprehensive and critical review of past studies provided a

2.1 Profile of (Social, economic and psychological) women

2.2 Participation of women members of panchayats.

2.1 Profile of (Social, economic and psychological) women

Khare (1995) reported that the highest percentage (54.88%) of

Roy (1995) reported that most of the panchayat leaders were

Kurariya et.al. (1997) reported that majority (50%) of the elected

Choudhary (1998) inferred that highest percentage of women

Gurjar (2002) found that majority (52.87%) of the respondents

Shrivastava (2003) reported that majority of the respondents