Arrange the committees on Panchayati Raj in chronological order:

A. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
B. GVK Rao Committee
C. Ashok Mehta Committee
D. L. M. Singhvi Committee
E. P. K. Thungan Committee

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

Here’s a detailed explanation of each committee on Panchayati Raj in chronological order:

1. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)

• Objective: To examine the working of the Community Development Programme (1952) and National Extension Service (1953) and suggest measures for better rural governance.

• Key Recommendations:

  • Establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system:

    • Gram Panchayat (Village level)

    • Panchayat Samiti (Block level)

    • Zila Parishad (District level)

  • Decentralization of power to ensure democratic participation.

  • Direct elections for Gram Panchayats and indirect elections for higher tiers.

• Impact:

  • Rajasthan (1959) and Andhra Pradesh (1959) were the first states to implement Panchayati Raj based on these recommendations.

2. Ashok Mehta Committee (1977)

• Background: After the decline of Panchayati Raj institutions in the 1970s, this committee was formed to revive and restructure them.

• Key Recommendations:

  • Two-tier system(instead of three-tier):

    • Mandal Panchayat (Block level)

    • Zila Parishad (District level)

  • Political decentralization with regular elections.

  • Reservation for SC/ST in Panchayati Raj institutions.

  • District-level planning to be handled by Zila Parishads.

• Impact:

  • Karnataka and West Bengal implemented some of these suggestions, but most recommendations were not widely adopted.

3. GVK Rao Committee (1985)

• Objective: To review the administrative and financial status of Panchayati Raj institutions.

• Key Recommendations:

  • Panchayati Raj institutions should be given more financial and administrative powers.

  • District Development Commissioner should oversee rural development.

  • Regular elections and greater involvement of political parties.

• Impact:

  • Highlighted the need for financial autonomy but did not lead to major reforms immediately.

4. L. M. Singhvi Committee (1986)

• Objective :To suggest constitutional recognition for Panchayati Raj institutions.

• Key Recommendations:

  • Constitutional status for Panchayati Raj to ensure stability.

  • Gram Sabha (Village Assembly) should be the foundation of democracy.

  • Judicial powers to Panchayats for minor disputes.

• Impact:

  • Laid the groundwork for the73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992).

5. P. K. Thungan Committee (1989)

• Objective: To examine financial aspects of Panchayati Raj institutions.

• Key Recommendations:

  • Independent revenue sources for Panchayats (like local taxes).

  • State Finance Commissions to recommend fund allocation.

  • Audit systems for transparency.

• Impact:

  • Influenced financial provisions in the 73rd Amendment Act (1992).

Final Chronological Order:

A (1957) → C (1977) → B (1985) → D (1986) → E (1989)

Correct Answer:(b) A, C, B, D, E