As of July 2025, India has about ______ lakh Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Option 1 (14.5)
Explanation:
Women's participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India has increased rapidly. As of July 2025, approximately 1.45 million elected women representatives (EWRs) are active in India. This number is a result of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992), which mandated at least one-third (33.3%) reservation for women in Panchayats. Currently, many states in India (such as Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, etc.) have increased this to 50%.
Additional Facts:
Constitutional Amendment: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, deals with Panchayati Raj.
Reservation: Article 243-D provides for the reservation of seats for women.
Three-tier structure: It consists of Gram Panchayats (village level), Panchayat Samitis (block level), and Zila Parishads (district level).
Power: India has approximately 3.1 million elected representatives, of which approximately 1.45 million are women, the largest number of women in local government of any country in the world.
Possible questions for upcoming exams:
When is National Panchayati Raj Day celebrated in India?
(Answer: April 24)
On the recommendation of which committee was the Panchayati Raj system given constitutional status? (Answer: L.M. Singhvi Committee)
Who recommended the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in India?
(Answer: Balwant Rai Mehta Committee)