Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) Launches Say No To Proxy Sarpanch Campaign

Key facts

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) launched a nationwide social media campaign titled Say No To Proxy Sarpanch to combat the practice of proxy representation in Gram Panchayats.
• The campaign aims to empower elected women Sarpanches and raise awareness against male relatives, often called Sarpanch Pati or Pradhan Pati, exercising authority in their stead.
• Launched on International Women’s Day, the initiative is being conducted in collaboration with state panchayati raj departments and will continue until 18 March 2026.
• The MoPR had previously formed an advisory committee in September 2023, following a Supreme Court order, to address the issue of proxy participation.
• The committee’s report, titled Transforming Women’s Representation and Roles in Panchayati Raj Systems and Institutions: Eliminating Efforts for Proxy Participation, recommended enforcing exemplary penalties for proxy leadership.
• Proposed measures include a robust reporting mechanism through helplines, women's watchdog committees for confidential complaints, and whistleblower rewards for verified cases.
• The report was based on extensive consultations and four intensive regional workshops involving 14 States.