India, Nov. 26 -- On October 17, the director - local body, the urban development department of Uttar Pradesh (DLB UP), issued a circular prohibiting councillor patis from participating in formal meetings as proxy representatives for their wives. Councillor patis - or sarpanch patis - refers to husbands or other male relatives of elected women representatives who wrongfully wield power on the latter's behalf, engaging with citizens and attending meetings as if they were the elected official. This practice fundamentally undermines women's representation in policymaking.

The DLB UP's circular is a significant move with an interesting backstory, brought to light by the department's transparency. A former member of the Haryana State Commissi...