PUNJAB-Protection for Protectors

effective only if supported by a politically active electorate of women. It is often pointed out in some despair that women representatives at the panchayat levels largely do not reflect any perception of political or women's issues. However, on the other hand, it must be remembered that the very proposal for women's reservation has directly and indirectly come up in response to the women's mobilisation through the various state- sponsored women's programmes in some states as well as through their participation in mass-based movements. It is after all, this ground reality which will ensure that women will be effective people's representatives. And this is in fact, why elements like Sharad Yadav are so vociferously opposed to the bill.