The village panchayat system in India dates back to the British era, evolving as a response to the growing aspirations for local autonomy and self-governance among Indian citizens. The Government of India Act of 1935 granted provinces the authority to enact legislation, further formalizing the role of local governance structures. This set the stage for post-independence India to explore and refine these grassroots administrative institutions. In this context, the Community Development Programme (1952) and the National Extension Service (1953) were launched, aiming to promote rural development and self-sufficiency. However, the effectiveness of these programs was soon questioned, leading to the establishment of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee in 1957 to evaluate their operations and suggest improvements.

Recommendations

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee's most significant contribution was the recommendation for the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system. The specific recommendations were as follows:

1. Three-Tier System: The committee proposed a three-tier system comprising village-level Gram Panchayats, block-level Panchayat Samitis, and district-level Zila Parishads. These tiers were to be organically linked through a system of indirect elections to ensure seamless coordination and governance.
2. Elected Members: It was recommended that members of the Gram Panchayat be directly elected by the people. In contrast, the members of the Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad should be indirectly elected, ensuring representation from the lower tiers and maintaining a structured hierarchy.
3. Planning and Development: The committee emphasized that these bodies should be entrusted with all planning and development activities at their respective levels, promoting localized decision-making and implementation.
4. Role of Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad: The Panchayat Samiti was envisaged as the executive body responsible for implementing development programs, while the Zila Parishad was to serve as the advisory, coordinating, and supervisory body. This delineation of roles was aimed at streamlining administrative functions and enhancing accountability.
5. District Collector's Role: The committee recommended that the chairman of the Zila Parishad should be the district collector, thereby integrating the administrative and developmental functions at the district level.
6. Transfer of Power: A meaningful transfer of power and responsibilities to these democratic entities was crucial. The committee stressed the importance of empowering local bodies with adequate authority and resources to function effectively.

Significance

The recommendations of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee were groundbreaking and marked a significant shift towards democratic decentralization in India. The National Development Council adopted these recommendations in January 1958, allowing states to tailor the Panchayati Raj system to their specific needs and circumstances while adhering to the core principles and framework suggested by the committee.

This flexible approach led to the gradual adoption of the Panchayati Raj system across various states, starting with Rajasthan on October 2, 1959, followed by Andhra Pradesh the same year. By the mid-1960s, most states had implemented some form of Panchayati Raj institutions, although variations existed in terms of structure, functions, tenure, and financial resources.

The committee's recommendations also laid the groundwork for future developments in local governance, culminating in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992. This amendment provided constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions, ensuring uniformity in their structure and empowering them with greater authority and responsibilities.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Panchayati Raj system, as recommended by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, marked a watershed moment in the evolution of grassroots administrative institutions in India. The Panchayats have since played a pivotal role in the development of rural areas, promoting local self-governance and community participation. The committee's work provided a robust framework for states to develop their Panchayat systems, leading to widespread implementation and success even before the constitutional mandate of the 73rd Amendment. The enduring legacy of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee is evident in the continued relevance and effectiveness of the Panchayati Raj institutions in India's rural development and governance landscape.