World Notes SOVIET UNION

Is Raisa Gorbachev becoming the prima donna of perestroika? In rare coverage of the Soviet leader's wife, TASS quoted her last week as she spoke out on her husband's reforms and the role of women in world peace at a Moscow reception honoring International Women's Day. "Soviet people are putting into practice plans of revolutionary restructuring," the Soviet First Lady said. "We want our public life . . . to be worthy of a human being."

Observers credit Mrs. Gorbachev's new prominence to both glasnost and her % natural self-confidence. But not all Soviets approve of Raisa's high profile. Groused one Muscovite: "What is the meaning of Raisa this, Raisa that? Am I supposed to live like she does?" At a televised celebration at the Bolshoi Theater after her speech, it was clear that she has not totally broken the traditional mold of Soviet leaders' spouses. Mikhail Gorbachev sat on the dais, while Raisa watched from the audience.