Performance of Elected Dalit and Non-Dalit Women Representatives in Panchayats with special reference to Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu

The main purpose of the present study is to assess the performance of the elected women representatives who belong to Dalit and non-dalit communities in Rural Local Governance in Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu state. The descriptive research design and explorative research design is used. The study was conducted in four blocks of the district and 240 samples are selected purposively. The performances of women representatives in three categories (works related to public welfare, works related to panchayat administration and social service) of panchayats are assessed. The level of performance is measured through three-point scale low, medium and high. The findings of the study show dalit women are performing well in panchayats. It also reveals subjugated and oppressed people once acquired authority, they show abundant interest and keenness to perform well and 73rd amendment provides those opportunities to satisfy their needs and aspirations