New Delhi, Dec. 14 -- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has taken serious cognizance of the continuing and widespread practice of "proxy governance" in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), particularly in constituencies reserved for women.

This follows a complaint filed by Sushil Verma, former Member of Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which was considered by the bench of the Commission headed by Priyank Kanoongo, member NHRC on December 12, an official statement said.

After examining the complaint, the Commission observed that despite constitutional safeguards and judicial pronouncements, elected women representatives are often reduced to nominal heads, while actual admini...