Question

In December, 1977 Janata Government appointed which Committee on Panchayati Raj Insittutions?
1. Balwantrai Mehta Committee
2. Hanumantha Rao Committee
3. Ashok Mehta Committee
4. G.V.K. Rao Committee

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Ashok Mehta Committee

The correct answer is Ashok Mehta Committee.

• In December 1977, the Janata Government appointed a committee on Panchayati raj institutions under the chairmanship of Ashok Mehta.
• It submitted its report in August 1978 and made 132 recommendations to revive and strengthen the declining Panchayati raj system in the country.
• Its main recommendations were: 
  • The three-tier system of Panchayati raj should be replaced by the two-tier system, that is, Zila Parishad at the district level.
  • A district should be the first point for decentralization under Popular supervision below the state level.
  • Zila Parishad should be the executive body and made responsible for planning at the district level.
  • There should be an official participation of political parties at all levels of panchayat elections.
  • The Panchayati raj institutions should have compulsory powers of taxation to mobilize their own financial resources.

• The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee was a committee originally appointed by the Government of India on 16 January 1957 to examine the working of the Community Development Programme (2 October 1952) and the National Extension Service (2 October 1953) and to suggest measures for their better working.
• Balwant Rai is considered the Father of Panchayati Raj.