Inclusive Growth through Inclusive Local Governance with Specific Reference to Empowerment of Women-Elected Representatives in PRI

Inclusive growth ensures opportunities and resources to those who are at risk of social exclusion, allowing them to participate in economic, social and cultural life in the society. Inclusive growth, comprising aspects of social, economic and political inclusion, has indicated a paradigm shift in governance strategy and policy implementation, which leads to empowerment and political participation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the rural areas of the country. It requires new approach to developing and implementing policy and programmes. This requires inclusive governance. This approach needs to be replicated in types of policy implementation processes in India specifically which are concerned with the empowerment of women. To replicate this approach strong partnership and cooperation between all levels of governments, NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) and community, organisations are need of the hour. However, it is a positive aspect for India that our deep democratic decentralisation and effective service delivery could bring a turnaround story in implementing the various social inclusion strategies. The present study aims to find out whether it is possible to achieve inclusive growth of women-elected representatives in PRIs through inclusive governance despite the social inequalities present in the society. The study at the end also deliberates on the impediments for participation and empowerment of women representatives and concludes by suggesting strategic measures for the same.