Beyond Symbolic Representation: Women-Led Governance and Democratic Transformation in Viksit Bharat
Keywords:
Women-led governance, Viksit Bharat, Democratic Participation, Political Empowerment, Inclusive GovernanceAbstract
The vision of Viksit Bharat seeks to transform India into a developed, inclusive, and globally influential nation by 2047. However, the realisation of this vision depends not only on economic growth and technological modernisation but also on democratic inclusion, social justice, and gender-equitable governance. In this context, women-led governance has emerged as a critical dimension of sustainable development and democratic transformation. The present article critically examines the role of women’s political participation in strengthening inclusive governance and achieving the broader goals of Viksit Bharat. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach based on secondary sources, including books, journal articles, government reports, constitutional provisions, and policy documents. Drawing upon Feminist Political Theory, the Capability Approach, and Participatory Democracy Theory, the article argues that India has significantly expanded women’s descriptive representation through democratic decentralisation and reservation policies, particularly in Panchayati Raj Institutions. However, substantive political empowerment continues to remain constrained by patriarchal institutional structures, proxy representation, unequal access to political authority, and intersectional inequalities related to caste, class, and region. The article further argues that women’s political empowerment strengthens democratic accountability, welfare-oriented governance, and participatory development. Therefore, the realisation of Viksit Bharat requires transforming governance institutions beyond symbolic inclusion toward substantive gender equality and democratic participation.
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Published on: 07-06-2026
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