IGNOUMATIC

The Panchayati Raj System in India, established to decentralize power and promote local self-governance, has undergone significant evolution since its inception. The Ashok Mehta Committee, appointed in 1977, played a pivotal role in assessing the functioning of the Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) and making recommendations for their reform. This analysis will explore the working of the Panchayati Raj System in India, with reference to the findings and recommendations of the Ashok Mehta Committee, highlighting its impact on local governance and grassroots democracy.

 Background:

1. Establishment of PRIs: The Panchayati Raj System was enshrined in the Constitution through the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, which mandated the establishment of elected rural local bodies at the village, intermediate (block), and district levels. These bodies were tasked with planning and implementing rural development programs, ensuring democratic participation, and promoting social justice and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.

2. Ashok Mehta Committee: The Ashok Mehta Committee was constituted in 1977 by the Government of India to examine the functioning of PRIs and recommend measures for their revitalization and strengthening. The committee’s report, submitted in 1978, outlined a comprehensive set of recommendations to enhance the effectiveness, autonomy, and accountability of PRIs.

 Analysis of Working:

1. Devolution of Powers: The Ashok Mehta Committee emphasized the devolution of powers and functions to PRIs to enable them to perform their mandated roles effectively. It recommended the transfer of administrative, financial, and planning powers from higher levels of government to PRIs, ensuring greater autonomy and decision-making authority at the local level.

2. Capacity Building: The committee underscored the importance of capacity building and training for PRI members and functionaries to enable them to discharge their responsibilities competently. It recommended the establishment of training institutes, provision of technical assistance, and promotion of community participation in local governance processes.

3. Financial Autonomy: The committee highlighted the need for financial autonomy for PRIs to enable them to mobilize resources, plan and implement development projects, and address local needs and priorities effectively. It recommended the creation of local revenue sources, untied grants-in-aid, and adequate financial support from higher levels of government.

4. Democratic Participation: The Ashok Mehta Committee emphasized the importance of democratic participation and grassroots democracy in the functioning of PRIs. It recommended measures to enhance political awareness, participation, and representation, including reservation of seats for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in PRIs to ensure social inclusion and equitable representation.

5. Role of Intermediary Bodies: The committee recognized the role of intermediary bodies, such as block-level and district-level councils, in coordinating and supervising the activities of PRIs. It recommended strengthening these bodies to facilitate inter-sectoral coordination, resource mobilization, and effective implementation of development programs at the grassroots level.

 Impact and Challenges:

1. Legislative Reforms: The recommendations of the Ashok Mehta Committee laid the foundation for subsequent legislative reforms, including the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which mandated the establishment of PRIs and devolution of powers to them. This amendment marked a significant milestone in the decentralization of power and promotion of grassroots democracy in India.

2. Implementation Challenges: Despite legislative reforms, the effective implementation of the Panchayati Raj System has faced various challenges, including inadequate financial resources, bureaucratic resistance, political interference, and lack of capacity and awareness among PRI members and functionaries. These challenges have hindered the autonomy, efficiency, and accountability of PRIs in many states.

3. Empowerment of Marginalized Groups: While the reservation of seats for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in PRIs has led to increased representation and empowerment of marginalized groups, challenges such as tokenism, patriarchal attitudes, and social discrimination persist, limiting the meaningful participation and leadership roles of these groups in local governance.

 Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Ashok Mehta Committee played a seminal role in shaping the evolution of the Panchayati Raj System in India by highlighting the importance of devolution of powers, capacity building, financial autonomy, and democratic participation at the grassroots level. While legislative reforms have laid the institutional framework for decentralized governance, challenges such as inadequate resources, bureaucratic inertia, and social barriers continue to impede the effective functioning of PRIs. Addressing these challenges and implementing the recommendations of the Ashok Mehta Committee are essential to realize the vision of inclusive, participatory, and accountable local governance in India.