Women Mukhiyas in Bihar: Role, Reservation and Impact on Panchayati Raj

Context

Bihar has emerged as a major example of women’s participation in grassroots democracy. The state government increased reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions to 50% in 2006, leading to a large number of women assuming leadership roles at the village level. Today, around 4,200 women serve as Mukhiyas, influencing governance and community development.

Examples of women’s Participation in Grassroot democracy

• Sanitary pad production in Danwa village: Mukhiya Sushumlata Kushwaha established a sanitary pad production unit in Danwa village (Bhojpur district) to address poor menstrual hygiene in rural areas.
  • The pads, sold under the brand Sangini, cost around ₹23 for a packet of six, making them accessible to rural women who earlier relied on cloth or unhygienic materials.
  • Funding of ₹10 lakh was obtained under Bihar’s Industrial Innovation Scheme (2022), which aimed to create livelihoods for migrant workers who returned during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Biogas and Water Conservation in Samastipur: Renewable energy promotion: Mukhiya Prema Devi initiated biogas plants in Motipur Panchayat, benefiting over 200 households engaged in animal husbandry.
  • Biogas helps families reduce the use of firewood and LPG, improving indoor air quality and lowering energy costs.
  • The creation of Amrit Sarovar ponds and tree plantation drives has helped recharge groundwater and improve local water availability.
  • A Gramin Haat (rural market) established in the panchayat now supports the livelihoods of about 380 families.
• Youth-Led Yoga Initiative in Lakhisarai: Mukhiya Julie Devi in Nongarh Panchayat encourages teenage girls to conduct daily yoga sessions in the village.
  • The initiative empowers young girls to lead community activities and promotes leadership skills among rural youth.
  • Children, women and elderly villagers regularly participate in the sessions, improving overall physical and mental well-being.
• Mahila Sabhas and Skill Development: Women-centric decision making: Mukhiya Baby Devi in Samastipur conducts Mahila Sabhas (women’s assemblies) where women discuss issues such as education, domestic violence and welfare schemes.
  • These meetings help women understand government programmes and participate actively in village decision-making.
  • Skill training programmes such as tailoring and beauty services provide income opportunities and strengthen financial independence.

Challenges faced by women leaders

• Social resistance: In many villages, women leaders face scepticism and are often assumed to be represented by male relatives in decision-making.
• Balancing family and governance: Women Mukhiyas frequently manage household responsibilities alongside administrative duties.
• Limited resources and institutional support: Many initiatives rely on personal motivation and local support rather than sustained funding.

Conclusion

Women Mukhiyas in Bihar are gradually redefining grassroots governance by focusing on health awareness, environmental sustainability, youth engagement and women’s empowerment. Their initiatives show how local leadership, when supported by community participation and policy backing, can address everyday rural challenges and strengthen democratic decentralisation.

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