WOMEN AS POLITICAL LEADERS IN MUNICIPALITIES: A STUDY IN WEST BENGAL

Abstract

The constitutional Amendments 73rd and 74th were landmark additions to the Indian Constitution, aimed at decentralizing power and ensuring grassroots democracy. Amendment 73rd, passed in 1992, focused on establishing a system of local selfgovernment for rural areas, known as Panchayats, while Amendment 74th extended this framework to urban areas through the creation of Municipalities. Both amendments were crucial in empowering local communities and promoting participatory governance across India.