Bridging the Gap Between Local Leadership and National Governance
Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0: Strengthening Tribal Women Leadership from Grassroots to the Nation : On January 2025, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha inaugurated Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0, a national initiative aimed at empowering elected tribal women leaders by equipping them with leadership tools, legal knowledge, and exposure to parliamentary processes. The initiative welcomed 502 Scheduled Tribe (ST) women representatives from 22 States and Union Territories, marking a bold step in making democracy more inclusive and representative.
What Is Panchayat Se Parliament?
Panchayat Se Parliament literally means “From Village Council to Parliament.” The programme aims to:
- Educate women leaders on constitutional principles and governance
- Facilitate interaction with MPs and parliamentary institutions
- Create a pipeline for tribal women to contest higher-level elections
Now in its second edition, this 2.0 version especially focuses on ST women, acknowledging their dual disadvantage due to gender and geographic isolation.
Programme Highlights: Learning to Lead
During the week-long programme in Delhi, participants engaged in:
- Tours of Parliament House
- Mock parliamentary debates and bill simulations
- Workshops on the Constitution, PESA Act, RTI, and 73rd Amendment
- Training in public speaking, digital tools, and governance literacy
- Meetings with MPs and senior officials
The goal was to build confidence, awareness, and participation in state and national governance.
Why Focus on Tribal Women?
Scheduled Tribes constitute 8.6% of India’s population, yet have minimal representation in higher policymaking. Despite being elected in local bodies through Panchayati Raj Institutions, many tribal women:
- Face patriarchal resistance
- Lack access to training and networks
- Are unfamiliar with legal and policy tools
This initiative fills that gap, offering exposure, mentorship, and empowerment.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0: Strengthening Tribal Women Leadership from Grassroots to the Nation :
| Topic | Details |
| Programme Name | Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0 |
| Launched By | Speaker of Lok Sabha |
| Participants | 502 ST women representatives |
| Coverage | 22 States and UTs |
| PRI Establishment | 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 |
| PESA Act | 1996 (Protects tribal rights in Scheduled Areas) |
| Focus Areas | Constitutional literacy, parliamentary exposure, leadership |
| Aim | Strengthen women’s political participation from ST groups |
