A panel constituted by Ministry of Panchayati Raj has recommended "exemplary penalties" for proven cases of proxy leadership as a measure to curb practice of 'Pradhan Pati', 'Sarpanch Pati' or 'Mukhiya Pati' in Gram Panchayats. The committee has put forward several suggestions to empower women representatives, including awards for those who discourage such practices and appointing a female Lokpal.