After Botad’s action against ‘Pati Raj’, questions emerge over alleged proxy functioning in Jambusar
Jambusar:
While governments continue to promote women’s empowerment and greater participation of women in local self-government institutions, questions are now being raised over whether elected women representatives are actually exercising their powers themselves.
Following the recent action taken by the Botad Municipality against the alleged interference of husbands of elected women members, similar questions are now being raised in Jambusar Municipality.
What happened in Botad?
The Botad Municipality recently took a firm stand against the alleged interference of husbands and relatives of elected women representatives in municipal affairs.
A circular reportedly warned that husbands or relatives of elected women members should not interfere in official administrative work. The move has triggered a wider discussion about the practice popularly referred to as ‘Pati Raj’, where a husband or family member allegedly performs functions on behalf of an elected woman representative.
Questions being raised in Jambusar
Following the developments in Botad, discussions have now begun in Jambusar as well.
According to allegations and local discussions, in some cases the husbands of elected women representatives are allegedly seen taking an active role in municipal affairs. There are also claims that residents approaching the municipality or their ward for civic-related issues sometimes interact with the husband of the elected representative instead of the elected woman member herself.
However, these are allegations and local claims, and the concerned elected representatives and municipal authorities would need to clarify their position.
Who is legally authorised to perform the role?
The fundamental principle of local self-government is that the person elected by voters is responsible for performing the duties attached to that elected office.
A husband, son or other relative cannot simply replace an elected representative in the discharge of official responsibilities merely because the elected member is a woman.
Any specific case of unauthorised interference, however, needs to be examined on the basis of the applicable municipal laws, government directions and the facts of that particular case.
Will Jambusar follow the Botad example?
The developments in Botad have now put the spotlight on Jambusar.
The key question is whether the Jambusar Municipality and its Chief Officer will examine complaints or allegations regarding the alleged involvement of relatives of elected women representatives and take appropriate action wherever rules are found to have been violated.
Women’s political representation is meaningful only when elected women representatives are able to independently discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them by voters.
Now, all eyes are on whether Jambusar will take a clear stand on the issue of ‘Pati Raj’ and ensure that the municipality functions through its duly elected representatives.
