Sarpanch pati
Also called: Pradhan pati, Mukhiya pati · Topic: Panchayati Raj: Rural Local Government · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 8 "Local Governments"
Meaning
Sarpanch-pati ("sarpanch's husband") is a practice where a male relative, usually the husband, uses the power of an elected woman sarpanch. She holds the post on paper, but he takes the decisions. This defeats the purpose of reserving seats and posts for women under Article 243D.
Example
A Ministry of Panchayati Raj committee under Sushil Kumar (2023-25) studied the problem. It proposed penalties for proxy leadership, women ombudspersons (officials who hear complaints), public oath-taking by elected women and mentorship for them.
Don't confuse with
- Reservation of chairperson posts in panchayats: this is the legal rule that gives women the post. Sarpanch-pati is a misuse of that post.
Related concepts
- Reservation of seats in panchayats
- Reservation of chairperson posts in panchayats
- OBC reservation in local bodies
- Triple test