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Write about Ashok Mehta Committee.
The Ashok Mehta Committee, officially known as the Committee on Panchayati Raj Institutions, was established in 1977 by the Government of India to review the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) and suggest measures for their revitalization. Named after its chairman, Ashok Mehta, a prominent Indian political scientist and social activist, the committee was tasked with evaluating the implementation of decentralized governance in rural areas and identifying challenges and opportunities for strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions.
The committee's report, commonly referred to as the Ashok Mehta Report, was submitted in 1978 and provided a comprehensive analysis of the status of PRIs across India. The report highlighted the limited effectiveness and autonomy of Panchayati Raj institutions due to bureaucratic control, political interference, and inadequate financial resources. It underscored the need for greater decentralization of power, democratization of local governance, and empowerment of rural communities through grassroots democracy.
Key recommendations of the Ashok Mehta Committee included:
Constitutional Recognition: The committee proposed constitutional recognition and legal status for Panchayati Raj institutions to empower them as autonomous bodies responsible for local self-governance. It recommended amending the Constitution to provide a clear legal framework for the functioning and powers of PRIs.
Three-tier Structure: Similar to the Balwantrai Mehta Committee, the Ashok Mehta Committee advocated for a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions, comprising Gram Panchayats at the village level, Panchayat Samitis at the intermediate level, and Zila Parishads at the district level. It emphasized the importance of devolving powers and functions to these institutions to promote grassroots democracy and community participation.
Decentralization of Powers: The committee recommended decentralizing administrative, financial, and decision-making powers to Panchayati Raj institutions to enable them to address local issues effectively. It called for the transfer of functions such as rural development, agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure to PRIs, along with adequate resources and technical support.
Democratic Processes: The Ashok Mehta Committee emphasized the need for democratic processes within PRIs, including regular elections, transparent governance practices, and accountability mechanisms. It proposed measures to promote the participation of marginalized groups, including women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, in local decision-making processes.
Capacity Building: The committee stressed the importance of capacity building and training for elected representatives and officials of Panchayati Raj institutions to enhance their effectiveness in governance and service delivery.
The recommendations of the Ashok Mehta Committee laid the groundwork for subsequent reforms in the field of decentralized governance in India. While not all of its recommendations were immediately implemented, the report sparked discussions and initiatives aimed at revitalizing Panchayati Raj institutions and promoting local self-governance in rural areas. The committee's vision of empowering grassroots democracy and strengthening local governance continues to influence policies and practices aimed at promoting inclusive and participatory development across India.