“The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.

Aim to reshape patriarchal dynamics

1. Gender equality: It will promote gender equality by increasing participation of women. Example: 17th Lok Sabha -> only 15% representation of women.
2. It will help to put forward woman concerns in policy making.
3. It will increase decision making authority of women.
4. Gender Budgeting will be more effective and loopholes can be plugged.
5. Empathetic decision making in sensitive issues like Manipur violence (2023).
6. It will help to break the shackles of patriarchal dominance.

However, it might encounter certain limitations

1. Women are not homogeneous political group.
2. Internal party democracy missing within the parties -> may not give opportunities to women.
3. Against the right to equality.
4. Will not ensure that participation results into effectivity.
5. It is put to halt till the next delimitation.
6. Rotation will disincentivise the working spirit as they may not contest from the particular constituency.
7. Patriarchal mindset -> will not be easy to change.
8. Restricts freedom of choice of voters.