POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN HIMACHAL PRADESH IN INDIA: IMPACT ON SOCIAL CHANGE

Abstract

As per the Census 2011, the total population of Himachal Pradesh was 68, 64,602. The male and female population was 34, 81,873 and 33, 82,729 respectively. Since the formation of the state, women political participation in politics in Himachal Pradesh has enhanced in the state. However, the impact is more visible in the voting pattern than in other political activities and decision making. The sorry state of affairs is that women are not getting adequate representation in the Parliament, State Legislature and other higher decision-making bodies. However, the position of women representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions is better in Himachal.

The present study is based on the primary and secondary data collected from the office records of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, State Election Commission, State Election Department, Panchayati Raj Department, Census Reports, Statistical Outlines of Himachal Pradesh etc. The relevant books, journals, newspapers, gazetteers etc. have also been consulted.

The latest amendment (2008) has provided 50 percent reservation in the Panchayati Raj Institutions for women in the rural and urban local bodies. It is observed that because of reservation, political participation of women at the grass root level has significantly increased and is having visible impact on the ensuing social change supplemented with some other factors such as economic participation, literacy, culture, demography etc.