6 Questions
What did Mahatma Gandhi write about the concept of Panchayati Raj in 1947?
Mahatma Gandhi wrote that 'Independence must begin at the bottom' and that 'every village will be a republic or panchayat having full powers.'
What was the purpose of the 'Balwant Rai Mehta Committee' that was appointed in 1957?
The 'Balwant Rai Mehta Committee' was appointed to check if various government mandated departments were functioning properly and carrying out their duties.
What is the basic unit of administration in India according to the text?
Village panchayats have been the basic unit of administration in India since the Vedic period.
How does the text describe the existing system of village panchayat before the reforms?
The text states that the existing system of village panchayat was 'old in task and cumbersome in its functioning', implying it was outdated and inefficient.
What was the key objective of the Panchayati Raj system reforms according to the text?
The key objective of the Panchayati Raj system reforms was to make every village 'self-sustained and capable of managing its own affairs', as stated in the text.
What is the significance of the Panchayati Raj system in India's administrative structure according to the passage?
The text suggests that the Panchayati Raj system is a fundamental part of India's administrative structure, dating back to the Vedic period, and has received special attention since Independence to decentralize power and administration to the local level.
Study Notes
Evolution of Panchayati Raj System
- The concept of Panchayati Raj system is not new to India, with panchayats being the basic unit of administration since the Vedic period.
- There are numerous references to the setup of local-level administration in Kautilya's Arthashastra.
- Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the importance of Panchayati Raj system, stating in 1947 that "Independence must begin at the bottom."
- Gandhi envisioned every village as a republic with a self-sustaining panchayat that can manage its own affairs.
Development of Panchayati Raj System
- The "Balwant Rai Mehta Committee" was appointed in 1957 to review the existing system of village panchayats.
- The committee was one of many established during the 1950s and 1960s to assess the functioning of government departments.
- The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee was tasked with identifying ways to strengthen the role of panchayats in rural development.
Explore the historical evolution of the Panchayati Raj system in India from the Vedic period to modern times. Learn about the significance and development of local administration through references in ancient texts and post-Independence initiatives. Delve into the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and the role of Panchayati Raj in grassroots governance.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
