Coming soon: 65000 women to be elected to Tamil Nadu local bodies

Tamil Nadu is all set to change its dynamics of local bodies, by giving more representation to women. The AIADMK government’s legislation, which guarantees 50% reservation to women, proposed last assembly in February, is all set to be implemented. And with that half of 1.32 lakh, approximately 65,000 posts in municipal corporations, municipalities, town panchayats and panchayats will be filled by women within four months from now.

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While talking about the format-changing notification on May 23, the rural development and panchayat raj department secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi guaranteed that the amended TN Panchayats (Reservation of Seats and Rotation of Reserved Seats) Rules are introducing the enhanced quota for women.  The bill was passed on February 27 by Governor K Rosaiah affirming that the 50% quota will operate for the local body elections to be held in a few months.

The State election commission (SEC) data says –

• 51,810 women were elected representatives in 2011polls - 7% higher than the mandated one-third reservation.
• Six out of 10 mayors and 54 out of 125 municipal chairpersons are women.
• Women's participation is also higher in panchayat union ward members (41.97%), panchayat presidents (39.28%) and panchayat ward members (39.28%

With just a few months left for the polls, this legislation is sure to bring in more women in administration and government, an example that might be worthwhile for other states to follow.