Abstract

The participation of women in local governance marks a significant step toward deepening democracy and ensuring inclusive development in India. Since the enactment of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992 women have gained formal representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). This paper evaluates the scope impact and challenges of women’s representation in Indian local governance. It explores the historical evolution of women’s political participation the constitutional and legislative framework that enabled it and the sociological implications of their leadership at the grassroots level. Through a detailed analysis of empirical data case studies and theoretical perspectives this study argues that women’s representation has transformed local politics by introducing new priorities accountability and participatory values. However structural barriers such as patriarchy caste hierarchies and tokenism continue to restrict their effectivenes