Local Governance in India

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Questions and Answers

Which state was the first to establish the Panchayati Raj system?

Andhra Pradesh

Maharashtra

Gujarat

Rajasthan (correct)

What unit of planning and development is emphasized in the Maharashtra-Gujarat pattern?

Panchayat Samiti

Block

Zila Parishad (correct)

Gram Sabha

Which of the following states adopted the Panchayati Raj system in the same year as Rajasthan?

Andhra Pradesh (correct)

West Bengal

Madhya Pradesh

Tamil Nadu

What is the primary function of nyaya panchayats established in some states?

Judicial matters Signup and view all the answers

What type of system of Panchayati Raj did West Bengal adopt?

Four-tier system Signup and view all the answers

What was the major recommendation regarding the structure of panchayati raj institutions?

To replace it with a two-tier system Signup and view all the answers

Who chaired the committee appointed by the Janata Government on panchayati raj?

Ashok Mehta Signup and view all the answers

What role were voluntary agencies recommended to play in panchayati raj?

Mobilizing public support Signup and view all the answers

When was the committee on panchayati raj appointed by the Janata Government?

December 1977 Signup and view all the answers

What was one recommendation concerning representation for marginalized communities?

Seats for SCs and STs should be reserved based on their population Signup and view all the answers

What specific ministerial position was suggested concerning panchayati raj affairs?

Minister for Panchayati Raj Signup and view all the answers

How many recommendations were made by the Ashok Mehta committee?

132 Signup and view all the answers

What is the zila parishad in the context of panchayati raj?

It functions at the district level Signup and view all the answers

What should be the population size for a group of villages to be recognized as a Panchayat?

15,000 to 20,000 Signup and view all the answers

Which body is suggested to be the executive body responsible for district level planning in Panchayati Raj institutions?

Zila Parishad Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the collapse of the Janata Government?

No action taken on the Ashok Mehta recommendations Signup and view all the answers

In which states were efforts made to revitalize the Panchayati Raj system?

Karnataka, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed role of political parties in Panchayat elections?

Official participation of political parties should be included Signup and view all the answers

What financial capability should Panchayati Raj institutions possess?

Have compulsory powers of taxation to mobilize resources Signup and view all the answers

What is described as the first point for decentralization below the state level?

Zila Parishad Signup and view all the answers

Which committee's recommendations were particularly relevant to the revitalization of Panchayati Raj?

Ashok Mehta Committee Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the panchayat samiti as specified by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee?

Executive body Signup and view all the answers

Who is designated as the chairman of the zila parishad according to the committee's recommendations?

The district collector Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee submit its report?

1957 Signup and view all the answers

What system did the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee's recommendations ultimately lead to?

Three-tier system Signup and view all the answers

Which state is mentioned as adopting a two-tier system as per the recommendations?

Tamil Nadu Signup and view all the answers

What type of transfer is emphasized for these democratic bodies?

Genuine transfer of power and responsibility Signup and view all the answers

When did the National Development Council accept the committee's recommendations?

January 1958 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee when it was appointed?

To examine the working of community development programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the committee mentioned in the content?

To review existing administrative arrangements for rural development Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant conclusion drawn by the G.V.K. Rao Committee regarding the developmental process?

The process became overly bureaucratic and detached from Panchayati Raj. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if there is a need for supersession of Panchayati Raj institutions?

Elections must occur within six months of supersession Signup and view all the answers

Why should Nyaya Panchayats be kept separate from development panchayats?

To allow for independent judicial functions Signup and view all the answers

Who should conduct the Panchayati Raj elections according to the recommendations?

The chief electoral officer in consultation with the chief election commissioner Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is referred to as 'grass without roots'?

The bureaucratisation of the developmental process Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested to strengthen the Panchayati Raj institutions?

Revitalisation through local body elections Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main roles of the district level agency regarding the funds allocated?

To ensure that the funds reach the intended vulnerable groups Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee

The committee was appointed in January 1957 to assess the Community Development Programme (1952) and National Extension Service (1953).
Balwant Rai Mehta served as the chairman and submitted the report in November 1957.
Recommended a three-tier system composed of Panchayat Samiti (executive body), Zila Parishad (advisory, coordinating, supervisory body), and Mandal Panchayat (group of villages).
Suggested the district collector to chair the Zila Parishad and called for a genuine transfer of power to local bodies.

Implementation of Recommendations

The report was accepted by the National Development Council in January 1958, allowing states flexibility to adapt the model.
States such as Rajasthan first established Panchayati Raj on October 2, 1959, followed by Andhra Pradesh, which implemented the system the same year.
Various states adopted different tier systems: Two-tier (Tamil Nadu), Four-tier (West Bengal), and three-tier systems were encouraged for consistent implementation.

Additional Committees and Reports

In December 1977, the Janata Government formed a committee chaired by Ashok Mehta to revitalize Panchayati Raj, leading to 132 recommendations in August 1978.
Key Ashok Mehta Committee recommendations included:
- Transforming the three-tier system to a two-tier system, maintaining Zila Parishad's executive role.
- Conditional participation of political parties in Panchayat elections and a mechanism for financial self-sufficiency.
- Constitutional recognition of Panchayati Raj institutions for stability.

G.V.K. Rao Committee

Formed in 1985 to review administrative arrangements concerning rural development and poverty alleviation.
Concluded that merging developmental administration with bureaucratic control diminished the effectiveness of Panchayati Raj institutions.
Proposed measures to rejuvenate the system, including improved organization of elections for Panchayati Raj bodies.

General Principles and Recommendations

Emphasized the importance of adequate resource allocation and the need for regular social audits.
Highlighted the significance of maintaining a separation between Nyaya Panchayats (judicial bodies) and development functions.
Recommends active engagement of voluntary agencies for communal support and strengthening of Panchayati Raj frameworks.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the roles and functions of local governance bodies in India, particularly the panchayat samiti and the zila parishad. Test your knowledge on the executive and advisory functions of these key institutions.