Panchayat elections – 2015 in the State will be held in four phases from November 22 to December 2 in all the districts of Jharkhand. In 2010, Jharkhand witnessed panchayat elections for the first time. So far as many as 8,146 women from various districts have filed the nomination papers for 2015 panchayat polls.
The Jharkhand Panchayat Act, 2005 has provision for 50 per cent women’s reservation. Similarly, this year representation of women is more in comparison to earlier panchayat poll held in 2010. The Indian Government has raised reservations for women in all tiers of the Panchayati Raj system from 33 to at least 50 per cent.
“So far we have received 8,146 nominations from women in the State. Specifically mentioning about the Santhal Pargana and West Singhbhum, we have received more than 50 per cent women candidates. These are two places where in 2010 no women candidates had filed the nomination papers and contested election,” said Shanti Shwaiya of Manthan NGO working in collaboration with Election Commission.
“Pointing about few blocks, total 34 women from Ormanjhi block have filed the nomination. Similarly, 52 women from Silli, Namkum and Angarha block have filed the nomination papers,” added Shwaiya.
Women from various sections of society and different districts are coming up to file nomination for 2015 panchayat polls. “I am a graduate in political science and this is second time I am filling the nomination. It is not just a matter of getting elected. Today women leaders have come together to form a core committee to demand a greater role in policy-making. Our aim is to overcome the various hurdles in the implementation of developmental schemes, if got elected my focus will be on empowering gram sabha,” said Ankita Gari from Kanke block after filling nomination papers.
Similarly another women candidate, Jhario Devi from Kamre, Ratu informed, “I am filing my nomination for the first time and also hope to win the election. My only agenda is to empower women and develop the block. The grassroot-level development is mandatory for the overall development of the State.”
The polling will be held to elect 4402 mukhiyas, 5423 panchayat ward Samitis and 545 zila parishad committees.