Abstract
The local government (LG) initiative is essential to empowering women. The Women Component Plan (WCP) is one such initiative introduced by the Government of Kerala in 1996 at the local level to achieve gender equality and mainstreaming. While a mandatory budgetary share for WCP in the LG is imperative for the journey towards women’s development and inclusive growth, the dynamic role of elected Gram Panchayat representatives (EGPRs) in the women’s development exercise is also a key factor. The present study seeks to identify the determinants of quality involvement of EGPRs at different stages of WCP in selected GPs in Kerala, which represent the highest, average, and lowest utilisation of GP funds during the 12th five-year plan period. The study is carried out based on information gathered from primary and secondary sources. The present study addresses the following queries: the socio-economic conditions and political-institutional environment of elected representatives; determinants and the knowledge status of EGPRs on WCP during the terms of office 2010-15 and 2015-20; determinants and the rate of involvement of EGPRs in the functioning of WCP at GPs in Kerala. The study identifies several key areas that require immediate attention at the grassroots and policy levels.
Keywords: Elected Gram Panchayat Representatives, Kerala, Local Government, Women Component Plan.