Key Highlights
- 502 elected women representatives from Scheduled Tribes across 22 states and Union Territories convened on 6 January 2025.
- The program aims to deepen knowledge of constitutional safeguards, parliamentary practice, and governance mechanisms.
- Interactive workshops covered the 73rd Amendment and the PESA Act, alongside briefings on flagship tribal welfare schemes.
- Participants toured the New Parliament House, Samvidhan Sadan, Prime Minister’s Museum and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- High‑level dignitaries, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Ministers Annapurna Devi and Jual Oram, addressed the gathering.
Detailed Insights
The National Commission for Women, in partnership with the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, inaugurated the second edition of the flagship initiative ‘Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0’ at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Marking the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, the event sought to translate grassroots Panchayat experience into effective parliamentary participation.
Through a series of workshops, expert panels and site visits, the women leaders were exposed to the procedural nuances of the Indian Constitution, especially provisions that empower women in local self‑government (73rd Amendment) and in Scheduled Areas (PESA Act). Parallel sessions highlighted central schemes targeting tribal health, education and livelihood, enabling the representatives to align local priorities with national policy frameworks.
Speakers emphasized that informed leadership at the Panchayat level can bridge the gap between rural constituencies and the highest echelons of law‑making. The program also built upon the 2024 edition, which engaged 500 women Sarpanch, by expanding its scope to include a broader geographical spread and more intensive governance training.
Key Concepts
- 73rd Amendment: Constitutional amendment that institutionalises Panchayati Raj institutions and reserves seats for women.
- PESA Act (Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act): Legislation extending Panchayat powers to Scheduled Areas, safeguarding tribal self‑governance.
- Parliamentary Procedure: The set of rules and conventions governing the conduct of business in India’s legislative bodies.
- Tribal Welfare Schemes: Government initiatives aimed at improving health, education, and economic conditions of Scheduled Tribes.
- Leadership Development: Structured activities designed to enhance decision‑making, public speaking, and policy‑analysis skills among emerging leaders.