A Perspective on Political and Economic trend of women in Kinnaur District

The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, made Panchayati Raj Institutions constitutional, recognizing two
important components viz; decentralizing powers in the hands of local community and empowering
women through representation in decision making. District Kinnaur, showed little resistance as popularly
debated over implementation of this constitutional privilege offered to women folks around the country
through 33 percent reservation in local governance rotation wise.
The contemporary status of women in district Kinnaur has not much gone through research
studies and attracted scholars other then government’s routine figures based on health and population
studies.
Other, then some unique social- cultural insulations in relationship to customs to women,
mostly, district is home to patriarchal society; and which, leaves little space for women participation and
representation in socio-economic and political in this far flanged tribal community.
A systemic look at Panchayat election held in, concluding year, 2010, has witnessed a change,
which has much anticipation in relevance to the challenges faced by predecessors women members in
various blocks of district Kinnaur. Non-withstand the fact, the challenges faced by previous members,
defeated in recent elections suggests that the work done by them could not accommodate people
expectations from them , I think people in Kinnaur acted smartly and subtly sending message across to
its representatives that what they want is change for development.
One, can argue over recent incidents which took place amidst chaos and confusion created by “CITU” a
central based union with Marxist ideology in hydel project with a bang, sowing seeds of socialism among
project affected people in the area, unfortunately, the party after a major support and sympathy lost its
ground failing to convince its own idea of sustainbilty and equity.which,ofcourse needs a mention here,
pertaining to women groups involment and their outburst on local political leader in power.
Poilitical strife over chairing in Zila Parishad has negative outcome which clearly shows the lacking of
leadership and co-ordination among elected members and party leaders. In this fashion if,these trend go
over later stages ,development issues will be wiped out and struggle of existence will emerge in the
headquater in Reckong Peo.

Women has shown resistance and power and positive outcome of this community organization was
minimizing caste politics.Even, the elected new zila parishad member, new to political arena would face
the challenge that her predecos face, for lack of vision and power politics that will be decisive behind
her.
However, change has been taking place and one should not forget women are now emerging in rural
tribal belt as voice of mass in governance and development.