Which was the first state of India to adopt the Panchayati Raj system in the year 1959?

Correct option is B

​Correct answer is(b) Rajasthan

• Rajasthan became the first state in India to implement the Panchayati Raj system on October 2, 1959. The system was inaugurated in Nagaur district by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

• Historical Milestone: Rajasthan's adoption marked the beginning of decentralized governance in India.
• Nagaur District: The first Panchayat under this system was established in the village of Bagdari in Nagaur.
• Key Vision: The aim was to strengthen grassroots democracy and ensure people's participation in local governance.
• Legal Framework: The system was based on the recommendations of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957), which advocated for democratic decentralization.
• Three-Tier System: Comprising Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zilla Parishad (district level).
• Odisha: While Odisha pioneered local self-governance by conducting elections to village councils as early as 1948, it adopted the Panchayati Raj system later.
• Karnataka: Known for progressive Panchayati Raj reforms, but implemented it after Rajasthan.
• Bihar: Adopted the system after the constitutional amendments institutionalized Panchayati Raj in 1992 through the 73rd Amendment Act.