PARTICIPATION AND EMPOWERMENT OF DALITS THROUGH PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS IN PUNJAB
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Date
2010
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Punjab Agricultural University
Abstract
Seventy third Amendment Act in 1993 of the Constitution envisages the equitable
participation of dalits in the power sharing structure of panchayati raj institution. The present study was
undertaken to (i) examine the socio economic profile of Dalit Sarpanches and Panches (ii) to ascertain
the awareness level regarding power and duties of Panchayat members (iii) to examine the influence of
socio-economic factors on the extent of participation of dalit panchayat members (iv) to render suitable
suggestions for enhancing their participation level. The study was conducted in two districts viz.,
Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur having highest number of dalit Sarpanches. Four blocks from each district
were chosen at random. Three villages from each selected block were chosen at random making the
total no. villages to be studied twenty four. One dalit Sarpanch, two dalit and two non dalit Panchayat
members were interviewed thus making the total sample of 120 respondents in all. The findings of the
study revealed that majority of dalits were young, middle passed and practiced Sikh religion and had
annual income up to 1 lakh. Most of the respondents were elected through ballot poll and had contested
election for the first time. The major items of expenditure were liquor followed by food and
banners/pamphlets. Only three per cent of dalits from Ludhiana and one fifth of them from Hoshiarpur
were highly aware about their powers. Just five percent from Ludhiana and about 15 per cent from
Hoshiarpur had high level of awareness regarding their duties. Majority of the respondents considered
support by family and caste members as major factor behind their success. They faced obstacles while
performing their duties like dominance of high caste and male members, lack of awareness, low level
of education and lack of grants were the major obstacle for dalits. There was significant correlation
between participation level of dalit with gender and education and the participation level of non dalits
with gender and income.
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Keywords
cucumbers, preservation