Factors Influencing Level of Knowledge of Women Representatives at functional Democracy in Allahabad District of Uttar Pradesh

The 73 constitutional amendment act has made the provision of not less than33% women reservation in the Panchayati Raj Institutions in rural areas. With a view to empowering women through active participation in political decision making process, knowledge is pre-requisite for effective participation, socioeconomic activities. Accordingly to study the level of knowledge about Panchayati Raj Institution and the factors influencing the level of knowledge an investigation was carried out purposively selected Allahabad district of U.P. the investigation covering four blocks, 24 villages and 180 women representatives (60 pradhans and 120 women members) were selected purposively. The empirical data were collected through personal interview technique with the help of pre-structured interview scheduled. Thus, the collected data were processed, analysed and interpreted in the light of objectives by applying suitable statistical tools. The study inferred that majority of women pradhans were from medium level of socio-economic background whereas the women members were found to have little bit lesser socioeconomic background and had little understanding about functioning of PRIs. The prominent predictors like age, education, income, mass media exposure were found to be influential over level of knowledge in both (Pradhan & Members) the cases. There is need to consider all of these variables while making the training strategy for them to be aware about organization and functioning of PRIs ensuring effective participation with developmental activities.