Several committees have played a pivotal role in shaping and recommending the Panchayati Raj system in India. These committees were appointed by the government to study the existing administrative structures, recommend reforms, and lay the groundwork for the decentralization of power.
1. Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957):
- Objective: To examine the functioning of the Community Development Program and the National Extension Service and recommend improvements.
- Recommendations:
- Suggested the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system – Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level.
- Emphasized the need for direct elections to Panchayats and for Panchayats to be responsible for local-level planning and development activities.
2. Ashok Mehta Committee (1977):
- Objective: To review the working of the Panchayati Raj institutions.
- Recommendations:
- Advocated for a two-tier system – Gram Panchayat at the village level and Zila Parishad at the district level, eliminating the intermediate Panchayat Samiti.
- Stressed on devolution of powers to Panchayats and recommended that local bodies should have control over planning and execution of development projects.
3. G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985):
- Objective: To review the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions and recommend measures for improvement.
- Recommendations:
- Proposed a three-tier system – Gram Panchayat, Mandal (block) Parishad, and Zila Parishad.
- Highlighted the importance of financial autonomy for Panchayats and recommended resource mobilization at the local level.
4. LM Singhvi Committee (1986):
- Objective: To examine the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions and recommend measures for strengthening them.
- Recommendations:
- Emphasized the need for constitutional recognition of Panchayati Raj institutions.
- Suggested the inclusion of a new schedule in the Constitution to define the functions and powers of Panchayats.
5. Sarkaria Commission (1987):
- Objective: To examine the relations and responsibilities between different levels of government, including local bodies.
- Recommendations:
- Recommended greater financial autonomy for Panchayats.
- Proposed that the recommendations of the Balwantrai Mehta Committee regarding the three-tier structure should be retained.
6. Venkatasamy Commission (2001):
- Objective: To review the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions.
- Recommendations:
- Advocated for the establishment of a State Election Commission to conduct Panchayat elections.
- Emphasized the need for increased reservations for women in Panchayats.
7. National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP) – 2004:
- Objective: A policy statement by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to guide its functioning.
- Recommendations:
- Committed to strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions, with a focus on increased financial devolution.
8. Fourteenth Finance Commission (2015):
- Objective: To review the financial relations between the Union and the States.
- Recommendations:
- Recommended a significant increase in the share of central taxes allocated to states and local bodies, enhancing financial resources for Panchayats.
These committees played crucial roles in shaping the Panchayati Raj system, influencing policies, and providing recommendations for its effective implementation. The recommendations laid the foundation for the constitutional amendments and legislative changes that led to the establishment and strengthening of the Panchayati Raj system in India
