Proxy Oath for Women Panchayat Representatives in Chhattisgarh

• 05 Mar 2025

Why in News? 

The husbands (Pradhan Pati) of six newly elected women panchayat representatives allegedly took the oath in their place, in Paraswara village panchayat, Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh.  

Key Points 

• Pradhan Pati: It is a term used in India to describe the husbands of elected women representatives in panchayats (village councils) who unofficially exercise the power on behalf of their wives (actual panchayat representatives).  
  • This phenomenon arises due to socio-cultural norms where, despite women holding official positions, their husbands or male family members make decisions and perform administrative duties. 
• Swearing-in Controversy: A video surfaced on social media, showing the husbands of six newly elected women panchayat representatives allegedly taking the oath in their place. 
  • In response to this, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pandariya Janpad Panchayat was instructed to investigate the matter. He confirmed that action would be taken based on the probe report. 
• Irregular Oath-taking: The panchayat secretary allegedly administered the oath to the husbands of the six elected women representatives instead of the actual representatives. 
• Public Outrage: Locals and social activists condemned the incident as a violation of women’s empowerment and demanded strict action against those responsible. They warned that failure to act could encourage similar incidents in the future. 

 Governance of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)  

• State Subject: Local governance falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, with PRIs operating as per respective State Panchayati Raj Acts.  
• Constitutional Framework:  
  • 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) established a three-tiered Panchayat system and mandated 1/3rd reservation for women, later increased to 50% in 21 states and 2 UTs.  
  • Article 243D provides for reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes in PRIs.  
  • Article 40 of the Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy, mandates the State to establish village panchayats and grant them the necessary powers and authority to function as self-governing units.  
• The Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996, grants Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas special powers to manage natural resources and protect tribal culture and livelihoods.