The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has launched a pioneering campaign to eliminate proxy representation and promote genuine women leadership at the grassroots level. As part of this initiative, MoPR has collaborated with The Viral Fever (TVF) for the production of a series of  compelling digital content that addresses critical issues affecting local rural governance. Created within the universe of the widely acclaimed web-series Panchayat, this production by TVF features renowned actors like Neena Gupta, Chandan Roy, and Faisal Malik.

The first of these productions, “Asli Pradhan Kaun?” premiered on 4^th March, 2025, coinciding with the launch of the Ministry’s “Sashakt Panchayat Netri Abhiyan” (सशक्त पंचायत-नेत्री अभियान). The film was screened at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi before an audience of over 1,200 elected women representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions from across the country.

The film ‘Asli Pradhan Kaun?’, illustrates how effectively a woman Gram Pradhan exercises her powers for  public welfare. “Asli Pradhan Kaun?”  addresses the issue of ‘Sarpanch Pati’ culture – where male family members unofficially represent elected women leaders – a practice that undermines the constitutional mandate of women representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions. Speaking about her role, acclaimed actor Neena Gupta said, “It’s always a pleasure to be part of stories that have a purpose. Asli Pradhan Kaun? is not just another production – it is a reflection of real-life challenges faced by women in rural India. I am excited for audiences to see how beautifully this message has been conveyed through storytelling”.

This initiative comes in the wake of the recent Report on “Transforming Women’s Representation and Roles in Panchayati Raj Systems and Institutions: Eliminating Efforts for Proxy Participation”, which has gained wider attention and gathered momentum in favour of the Ministry’s consistent efforts to strengthen genuine women leadership in local governance. As part of its comprehensive approach, the Ministry will release two additional productions focusing on:

1. Digital Intervention and Transparency – Showcasing how technology can transform rural governance
2. Own Source Revenue – Highlighting the importance of financial independence / self-reliance for Panchayats

Also featuring actors Durgesh Kumar and Bullu Kumar, these upcoming releases will further advance the Ministry’s mission to create impactful change at the grassroots level. The year-long “Sashakt Panchayat Netri Abhiyan” is designed to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the country. It will focus on building skills and confidence of women elected to Panchayati Raj positions, ensuring they can exercise their constitutional rights and responsibilities effectively.

Click here to watch :https://youtu.be/GVxadWl5Cjk?si=B8A652NLbt1odCo6

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Aditi Agrawal