New Delhi, Aug 27 - The National Commission of Women Thursday welcomed the cabinet's decision to reserve 50 percent of seats in rural panchayats for women.

'We are delighted,' NCW chairperson Girija Vyas told reporters here.

The cabinet has approved amendment of article 243 D of the constitution to increase the reservation from 33 percent to 50 percent of the panchayat seats to be filled by direct election for women.

'Women face discrimination from the home to parliament. They have to be made equal partners in decision-making,' she said.

Vyas admitted that there were women elected to the panchayats who were often proxies for their male relatives.

'It is true that in the beginning there are some women panchayat leaders who are a front for their husbands. They are about 10 percent, but with this new move, even this number will come down,' she said.

A proposed legislation for the purpose is expected to come up in the winter session of parliament.