Question

Which among the following statements about the Ashok Mehta Committee is/are correct?
i. It recommended replacing the three-tier Panchayati Raj system with a two-tier system.
ii. It advocated compulsory powers of taxation for Panchayats.
iii. It successfully saw all recommendations implemented at the central level.

• A. i and ii only
• B. ii and iii only
• C. i and iii only
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i and ii only

Ashok Mehta Committee (1977-1978)

• The Ashok Mehta Committee was appointed by the Janata Party Government in December 1977 to review the working of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• Its main objective was to suggest measures to strengthen and revive the declining Panchayati Raj system in India.
• The committee submitted its report in August 1978, proposing 132 recommendations.

Key Recommendations of the Ashok Mehta Committee:

• It recommended replacing the existing three-tier Panchayati Raj system with a two-tier system. This new structure comprised:
  • The Zila Parishad at the district level.
  • The Mandal Panchayat below the Zila Parishad, consisting of a group of villages with a total population of 15,000 to 20,000. This directly addresses and confirms statement (i).
• The committee strongly advocated for compulsory powers of taxation for Panchayats. It suggested that PRIs should have their own financial resources, including powers to levy taxes to perform their functions effectively, thus confirming statement (ii).
• It recommended that political parties should be allowed to officially participate in Panchayati Raj elections at all levels.
• The committee suggested the creation of a post of a Chief Electoral Officer for Panchayati Raj elections, independent of the state government.
• It proposed reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in PRIs.
• The committee also recommended the establishment of Nyaya Panchayats, which would be separate from development Panchayats and presided over by a qualified judge.
• It emphasized the need for a Minister for Panchayati Raj in the state council of ministers to oversee their affairs.
• The committee also suggested that constitutional recognition should be accorded to Panchayati Raj Institutions, a recommendation that would later become a reality.

Impact and Outcome of the Recommendations:

• Despite its comprehensive recommendations, the Ashok Mehta Committee's suggestions were not implemented due to the collapse of the Janata Party government in 1979. This indicates that statement (iii) is incorrect.
• However, its report played a significant role in influencing the thinking of subsequent committees and the eventual constitutionalisation of Panchayati Raj through the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992.

Key Facts for Competitive Exams:

• The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) first recommended the three-tier Panchayati Raj system (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad).
• The G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985) highlighted the 'grass without roots' situation of PRIs, emphasizing the need for their empowerment.
• The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) strongly recommended constitutional recognition for Panchayati Raj Institutions, which eventually led to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts.
• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions, making their establishment mandatory and providing a uniform framework for their functioning across the country.