Policy Issues on Women in Panchayats of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

The system of self-government in Indian villages was widely recognized, which was deeply characterized by agrarian economies. As George Mathew points out that there were historical evidences of village governance system until 600 B.C. as Mathew, G. points out, in terms of social connections with village bodies which took the form of Panchayats (an assembly of five persons) and which worked after affairs of the village. They had both police and judicial powers. Customs and religion elevated them to a sacred position of authority. Besides the village Panchayats, there were caste based associations which are prominent at grassroots. Caste based associations, further, ensures village Panchayats belonging to a particular caste adhered to its code of social conduct and ethics (Mathew, G. 2000). Such historical experiences with significant socially evolved governing characteristics of village Panchayats were greatly attracted subsequent undemocratic, democratic rulers and governments. This paper surveys the trends in this engagement in India during the last six and half decades, exploring the aspects and dimensions of the policy measures.