Caste, Patriarchy, and Power: The Struggle of Dalit Women in Haryana Panchayats

 


In 1948, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar famously questioned whether the Indian village was anything more than a "sink of localism, a den of ignorance, narrow-mindedness and communalism". More than half a century later—and a decade after the 73rd Amendment aimed to turn panchayats into inclusive institutions of self-government—how much has truly changed?

To understand the ground reality, the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD) and the National Commission for Women (NCW) organized a workshop with 188 Dalit women elected representatives (ERs) across Haryana. Their testimonies revealed the harsh realities of caste, patriarchy, and the immense hurdles they face in decentralized governance.

The Ground Reality: Hurdles for Dalit Women Sarpanches

1. Illiteracy and Lack of Awareness

Many women ERs lack critical awareness regarding their legal powers, functions, and the specific developmental schemes meant for their communities. Most were only familiar with basic housing or grain distribution schemes. This lack of awareness and illiteracy creates a heavy, debilitating dependence on the village gram 'sachiv' (secretary).

2. The Battle Over Common Lands

Access to common property resources (CPRs) is vital for the economic survival of marginalized groups. Yet, these women reported that dominant castes frequently encroach upon village common lands. When Dalit women ERs attempt to reclaim this land, they face immense resistance from higher castes and a deeply uncooperative attitude from the local bureaucracy.

3. Poverty and Systemic Suppression

Serving the public often comes at a steep personal cost. Because many of these women belong to resource-poor families, attending to panchayat duties means losing their daily wages and spending their own meager funds on official hospitality and travel.

Furthermore, social inequality remains a violent barrier. Dalit women reported open obstruction from higher-caste men and local officials, with some being entirely prevented from holding meetings or forced to sign official proceedings blindly under threat.

Building a Support System for True Empowerment

Despite these massive hurdles, the Panchayat system has successfully ignited a spark, releasing the suppressed energy of Dalit women. To turn this spark into lasting change, a five-pronged support system is urgently required:

  • Targeted Education: Special, rapid informal education arrangements must be made to make illiterate ERs literate shortly after their election.

  • Intensive Training: Continuous capacity-building exercises are needed to sensitize them on administrative procedures, legal safeguards, and local governance.

  • Economic Betterment: To offset the opportunity cost of their time, these women must be provided a suitable honorarium and prioritized for membership in income-generating Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

  • Administrative Sensitization: Higher castes and local officials must be formally re-oriented to respect, encourage, and assist Dalit ERs.

  • Rewarding Good Practices: Dalit women Sarpanches who excel against the odds should be publicly awarded to boost their confidence and set a societal example.

When Dalit women are literate and supported, they become highly visible, vocal, and assertive leaders. It is time to expand their capabilities and finally end their invisibility in local governance.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Enduring Prejudices: The caste system and patriarchy continue to exercise a stranglehold on rural institutions, severely obstructing Dalit women ERs.

  • Bureaucratic Apathy: The decentralized bureaucracy often succumbs to local power dynamics, failing to support the elected Dalit representatives they are meant to assist.

  • The Cost of Leadership: Performing official duties creates a severe, uncompensated financial burden on already vulnerable women.

  • A Silver Lining: Despite the oppression, the Panchayat system has opened a door. With adequate training and economic support, Dalit women are proving to be resilient and assertive grassroots leaders.

Dr. Mahi Pal

Vice President

Mission 7374 Foundation

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