The Tamil Nadu Federation of Women Presidents of Panchayat Government was formed in the first State Level Convention of Women Panchayat Presidents on 18th October, 2000 at Chennai. 210 Women Panchayat Presidents from 20 Districts and more than 100 women leaders of voluntary organizations, political parties, trade unions, women and dalit organizations participated in this Convention. This was made possible by the efforts of District level Women Presidents Associations with the support of 29 Voluntary Organizations. A State Committee to facilitate and strengthen the Federation of Women Presidents was formed. As of 2014, 20 state committee meetings have been held and four state level conventions were organized where approximately 300 women presidents participated in each of these conventions.
Presidents who are members of the TNFWPPG represent the voices of women panchayat presidents Elected in Tamil Nadu Local body Election. Even though they are from different caste, class and political backgrounds they are united together as a federation to bring to the notice of Government, political parties and MLA’s the reforms and policy changes needed for the empowerment of Panchayat Government including devolution of 29 powers; to highlight the challenges and achievements of Women Panchayat Presidents and to evolve strategies and actions to stop destructive development in the panchayats caused by the petro – chemical industries, encroachments of land by real estate, infrastructure projects, SEZ’s, halting privatization of education and health care in the panchayat unions, stopping charging of tariff for Electricity etc.,
Key Objectives:
- To get all the 29 powers enshrined in the Constitution of India and get the various rights denied for the panchayats.
- A State Level Federation with no political caste, religious difference is necessary for the First Government (panchayat government) to negotiate / lobby with the Second Government (State Government) regarding needed powers in panchayat.
- To work hard for removal of all types of discriminations against dalit women panchayat presidents and to work for their rights.
- To emphasis the state government to implement State Finance Commission’s recommendations.
- To give protection to all panchayat presidents of Tamil Nadu.
Programme and Demands:
- To amend Sec 243G of Indian Constitution (The State Government ‘May’ devolve powers to be amended as ‘shall’ devolve powers).
- To get social status with salary to all panchayat presidents.
- BPL list, beneficiaries selection for all schemes (development, welfare etc.,) should be finalized by panchayats only.
- Section 205 of Tamil Nadu Panchayat Act 1994 should be removed.
- Representation of Village panchayats in Union panchayat & District panchayat is necessary.
- Panchayat’s Electricity charge should be paid by the State Government or the electricity charge must be reduced to re 1/unit.
- District Panchayats should function effectively
