Govt launches training programme for women panchayat leaders

The Centre on Monday launched a training programme for women panchayat leaders to skill them in governance and administration with a special emphasis on efficient usage of funds to achieve overall development.

Union Ministers Maneka Gandhi and Narendra Singh Tomar interacted with select women village heads from Jhakhand through video conferencing during the programme, urging them to take keen interest in learning about various development schemes of the government.

"In spite of 33 per cent reservation for women in panchayat bodies, the elected women representatives (EWRs) do not have appropriate knowledge and skill to administer the village and the show continues to be run by their husbands," Gandhi, the Women and Child Development Minister, said.

"Apart from this, the training programme will help to raise these women to the next level of leadership," she added.

Gandhi stressed on the need for them to learn how funds are allocated for various development programmes and how to spend it to ensure the budget released for a particular panchayat is efficiently utilised and the quality of the assets ensured.

"Studies have brought the challenges faced by women panchayat representatives and the problems faced by them. The conditions and background warrant a support system for women leaders to enhance their capacity, capability and skill in governance and administration," she said.