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Synopsis The central theme of this book is the role of women members of gram panchayats since 1993, when their representation in gram panchayats increased due to reservation of seats as a result of 73 amendment to the constitution. It has evaluated their awareness, participation in different activities and their ability to take decision in different public affairs. This book also deals with the following questions: did the increased role of women in the gram panchayat significantly changed the status of most women in the village? Could they, through their participation, earn their different rights from the society? Whether the women in general and the leaders, in particular, are aware of their own problems that the male leaders did not take account. The central point of inquiry is whether the women members in gram panchayats are now able to take decision independently.The book thus has tried to identify the prospects and constraints of rural women leadership in functioning in the gram panchayat.