Question of the Day – Model women friendly gram panchayat
QOTD March 16,2026
Q1. With reference to the Model Women Friendly Gram Panchayat initiative, consider the following statements:
- The initiative is promoted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to make village governance more gender inclusive.
- It focuses on improving women’s participation in local governance and decision-making.
- It is implemented only in Scheduled Areas under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1-correct
The initiative is promoted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to strengthen gender-responsive governance at the Gram Panchayat level.
Statement 2-correct
The programme aims to improve women’s participation in local decision-making, leadership roles and access to public services in rural areas.
Statement 3-incorrect
The initiative is not limited to Scheduled Areas and can be implemented in Gram Panchayats across India.
Why in news–
The Model Women Friendly Gram Panchayat was in news in early 2025 because the Ministry of Panchayati Raj began promoting selected Gram Panchayats across India as model examples of gender-responsive rural governance. The initiative aims to create safe, inclusive, and participatory village environments for women and girls by strengthening women’s leadership in local governance, improving access to basic services, and incorporating gender-sensitive planning in Gram Panchayat Development Plans. The programme gained attention as part of the government’s broader effort to enhance women’s participation in the Panchayati Raj system and to showcase best practices that other Gram Panchayats can replicate.
News-https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2108572®=3&lang=2
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1. With reference to the Model Women Friendly Gram Panchayat initiative, consider the following statements:
- It aims to create a safe and supportive environment for women and girls in rural areas.
- It promotes gender-sensitive planning within the Gram Panchayat Development Plan.
- It replaces the constitutional framework of Panchayati Raj institutions introduced by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1-correct
The initiative focuses on ensuring a safe and supportive rural environment for women and girls by improving access to services and addressing gender issues.
Statement 2-correct
It encourages gender-sensitive planning within the Gram Panchayat Development Plan so that women’s needs are included in local development priorities.
Statement 3-incorrect
The initiative does not replace the 73rd Constitutional Amendment; it functions within the existing Panchayati Raj institutional framework.
PQ2. Consider the following statements regarding Panchayati Raj institutions in India:
- The Gram Panchayat is the lowest tier of the Panchayati Raj system.
- The Gram Sabha consists of all registered voters in a village or group of villages.
- Elections to Panchayati Raj institutions are conducted by the Election Commission of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1-correct
The Gram Panchayat is the lowest level of governance in the Panchayati Raj system.
Statement 2-correct
The Gram Sabha consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral rolls of the village and acts as a participatory decision-making body.
Statement 3-incorrect
Elections to Panchayati Raj institutions are conducted by the State Election Commission, not the Election Commission of India.
PQ3.With reference to women’s representation in Panchayati Raj institutions, consider the following statements:
- The Constitution mandates a minimum one-third reservation of seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
- This reservation also applies to the offices of chairpersons at different Panchayat levels.
- The reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions was introduced through the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
Answer: (d) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1-correct
The Constitution provides at least one-third reservation for women in seats of Panchayati Raj institutions.
Statement 2-correct
The reservation also extends to the positions of chairpersons at various Panchayat levels.
Statement 3-incorrect
The reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions was introduced through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, not the 74th Amendment.
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
Which of the following best describes the term Gram Sabha?
(a) A body consisting of elected members of the village Panchayat
(b) A body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat
(c) A body consisting of all government officials working in a village
(d) A committee formed by the district administration to supervise Panchayats
Answer: (b) A body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat
Explanation:
The Gram Sabha is the general body of the village and includes all persons whose names are registered in the electoral rolls of the village. It is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system and plays a key role in participatory democracy and local self-governance.
