Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Government launches specialised training module for women panchayat leaders
In India, villages have big meetings called Gram Sabhas where people decide things about their village.
Women who are elected to village councils often do not take part in these meetings as much as men.
A study found that they are busy with housework, feel shy, and men sometimes talk over them.
The government wants to change this.
So it started a special training program just for women village leaders.
The program teaches them how villages are run and how to do their jobs better.
The government also told states to hold more village meetings.
It wants special women-only meetings before the big village meeting so women can share their ideas.
This way, villages can be run with help from everyone, not just men.
The government launched a Specialised Training Module under 'Shashkta Panchayat Netri Abhiyan' for capacity building of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh informed the Lok Sabha about the module on Tuesday.
A study identified household responsibilities, social hesitation and male dominance during discussions as key factors limiting women's participation in Gram Panchayats.
The module aims to enhance knowledge and practical skills of women elected representatives to promote women-led governance.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has issued advisories to States and Union Territories to make Gram Sabhas more participatory, including Mahila Sabha meetings and regular standing agendas.
- Who
- Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj; the beneficiaries are Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
- What
- Launch of a Specialised Training Module under 'Shashkta Panchayat Netri Abhiyan' to build the capacity of women elected representatives in rural governance.
- When
- On Tuesday, when the Lok Sabha was informed of the initiative.
- Where
- India; announced in the Lok Sabha in New Delhi.
- Why
- To improve women's participation in democratic institutions and address factors such as household responsibilities, social hesitation and male dominance.
- Programme
- Shashkta Panchayat Netri Abhiyan (Specialised Training Module)
- Announced
- In the Lok Sabha on Tuesday
- Minister
- Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Panchayati Raj Minister
- Beneficiaries
- Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions
- Goal
- Women-led governance through capacity building
- Study
- National Study Report on Low Participation in Gram Sabha across States and UTs
- Research body
- National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
- Key barriers identified
- Household responsibilities, social hesitation, male dominance