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.
my deep concerns gained substantial evidences recently to question the local governance,which has been victim to corporatization of local ecology and resources.
ReplyDeleteHPPCL a PSU of HP Government has played a major role in it,reinstating much of a learning made from JP Comapny policies that has devastated the structure of unity and belief among people of district kinnaur.HPPCL has reluctantly entered in the production of power through harnessing river and water for it saw a lucrative bussiness in this.
The way it worked to obtain the land for its project and compensating people has been a controversial subject based on incidences of local uprising against lower compensations and organized protests happened over last two years and still ongoing on many issues. HPPCL has failed in many ways for its obligation being a public company and exercising force over disruptions caused by locals,which JP Comapny did very well and poor locals remained isolated and victimized seeing the power game and alluring money . HPPCl has also enjoyed some success through use of HCC ( Hindustan Construction Company)against locals by dividing them to the roots.
Thanks to huge amount of money that has been paid to many and unity is now fragmented to zero and only marginalized voices are being heard of small scale,most of all based of grievances rather then for cause.
I must admit the role of CITU a Marxist organization organized for justice and rights for workers and broadly following a socialist approach of society free from injustice and equitable distribution of power. However, the worst effect that has caused by this organization is instead of working towards making people understand their crisis and ignorance of the problem,left people to become for individually opportunistic about the gain.I hope many eco based volunteer organization has now taking up the issues and documenting injustice ,which in time if persisted will lead to community awareness in its real sense.