Academic Discourse
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue: 2

Women Representation in Panchayati Raj : The role of Media (A study of Wadala Kalan village, Punjab)

  • Author:
  • Karam Beer1, Mangla Sahni2
  • Total Page Count: 10
  • Page Number: 89 to 98

1Research Scholar, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, I.K Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar

2Research Scholar, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, I.K Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar

Online Published on 08 April, 2026.

Abstract

Women have an equal share in society, yet their representation in village-level panchayats and awareness of the media and Panchayati Raj system remain critical issue. This study examines women’s representation in the last five Panchayat elections (2000–2024) in Wadala Kalan village, Punjab. Primary data was collected through structured interview schedule, analyzing their awareness and role in governance. The findings indicate that women representatives are well-versed in the village Panchayat election process but often do not attend Gram Sabha meetings or make independent decisions without male family members’ consent. Although they use media, they do not utilize it to ensure unbiased representation in Gram Panchayats.

Keywords

Media, Women, Panchayati Raj