Political empowerment of marginalized women -A case study in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesih

Political empowerment promotes socio-economic development of women along with the concept of equity, equality and justice in all spheres of life. Civic participation in governance requires political capability for citizens which refers to the capacity to represent on self or others, access information, or associations and participate in the political life of a community or country. In a society of deep inequalities, people belonging to SCs and STs have been generally excluded from participation in state institutions that make the decisions and administer the resources that affect their lives. In the above backdrop an attempt has been made to study the inclusion and participation of women representatives belonging to the marginalized groups i.e. BC, SC and STs in local governance. One relevant observation is that the majority of respondents have been taking decisions on their own. If given the opportunity to the women folk, they will discharge their duties with great sincerity and commitment. If they are provided education they are in no way inferior to men-folk. Let us hope that the proposed women's reservation bill, if gets passed would quicken the pace of empowerment of women in Indian politics strengthening the basic spirit of democratic polity.