*Doctoral Research Scholar, Department of Public Administration, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra – 136119, India.
**Doctoral Research Scholar (JRF), Department of Public Administration, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra – 136119, India.
Online published on 6 August, 2012.
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act has given a new dimension to the process of women's empowerment in India. Apart from one- third reservation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), the act has given constitutional powers and responsibilities for a range of issues including resource management, family planning, education and health. With the participation of women in PRIs, interpersonal relations within their families have changed for the better and this political process has heightened women's perceptions of own capabilities. This paper is divided into two parts. The first part covers the theoretical aspects of 73rd amendment Act and the second part discusses the impact of this amendment act on the status of women, their role in governance and the consequent socio-economic, political empowerment.
Women's empowerment, PRIs, 73rd Act
