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Write a short note on Ashok Mehta Committee.
Ashok Mehta Committee: Paving the Way for Panchayati Raj Institutions
The Ashok Mehta Committee, formed in 1977, played a pivotal role in shaping the structure and functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. Led by Ashok Mehta, a prominent political scientist, the committee was tasked with reviewing and recommending reforms for decentralized governance at the grassroots level.
Background:
The formation of the committee was a response to the broader demand for decentralization and local self-governance. The early post-independence years witnessed efforts to strengthen the role of local bodies, but these initiatives faced challenges in implementation. The Ashok Mehta Committee was constituted against the backdrop of a desire to revitalize and democratize the Panchayati Raj system.
Key Recommendations:
Three-Tier Structure: One of the most significant recommendations of the committee was 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. This hierarchical structure aimed to ensure effective representation and administration at various levels of local governance.
Reservation for Weaker Sections: The committee emphasized the importance of social justice in local governance. It recommended reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized communities in Panchayati Raj Institutions to ensure their adequate representation and participation.
Strengthening Gram Sabha: The Gram Sabha, comprising all adult members of a village, was identified as a crucial institution for local decision-making. The committee recommended empowering the Gram Sabha to approve plans and budgets and to oversee the implementation of development programs.
Financial Independence: Recognizing the significance of financial autonomy for local bodies, the committee suggested assigning revenue resources and tax powers to Panchayati Raj Institutions. This financial independence was deemed essential for the effective execution of local development projects.
State Election Commissions: To ensure free and fair elections to Panchayati Raj bodies, the committee proposed the establishment of State Election Commissions. This measure aimed to insulate the electoral process from undue political interference and enhance the credibility of local governance.
Impact and Legacy:
The recommendations of the Ashok Mehta Committee laid the foundation for subsequent efforts to strengthen Panchayati Raj in India. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in 1992, incorporated many of the committee's suggestions. This amendment mandated the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system, reserved seats for marginalized groups, and conferred constitutional status to PRIs.
The Ashok Mehta Committee's work marked a crucial step toward decentralizing governance, empowering local communities, and fostering grassroots democracy. Its legacy is evident in the ongoing efforts to deepen the democratic fabric of India by ensuring meaningful participation and representation at the local level through Panchayati Raj Institutions.