New Delhi, 16 January (H.S.): Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh stated that the increasing participation of women in India has strengthened democracy and made governance more transparent. He made these remarks on Friday during the 28th Conference of Presiding Officers and Procedural Authorities of Commonwealth Parliaments, held in the Central Hall of Parliament House.

Harivansh highlighted that women's involvement is steadily growing across India's three-tier governance structure—central, state, and local bodies. He particularly noted improvements in efficiency at the grassroots level due to greater female presence in panchayats and municipal bodies.

Today, nearly 1.5 million women serve as elected representatives in panchayats and municipal bodies across the country, he said, describing this as the world's largest example of women's political representation.Harivansh emphasized that local bodies led by women have shown enhanced transparency, accountability, and oversight.

Government schemes now reach the intended beneficiaries more effectively, with women prioritizing issues such as drinking water, sanitation, health, education, and nutrition.He explained that the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments mandated 33 percent reservation for women in local bodies, a quota several states have raised to 50 percent.

Recently, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam further extends 33 percent reservation to women in Parliament and state assemblies.

The Deputy Chairman observed a shift in mindset, moving beyond mere women's development to development led by women. When women participate equally in governance, democracy becomes even stronger, he asserted.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar