In Goa at the Panchayat and Municipal level we have seats that are reserved for women. This is a step in the right direction to encourage women to play their role in the political arena and to serve the society at the grassroot level.
But unfortunately, we have been sadly witnessing that in many cases the ladies elected are only on paper while their effective role is factually being unlawfully played by their spouse, brother or at times some other relative. The lady candidates like all others must be selected and elected on their own merit and aptitude, not as a front or smoke screen for others to run the show. They must not be puppets on a string manipulated and pushed along the way with no say. This defeats the very purpose of reserving seats for women which is meant for ensuring their empowerment.
