_________ Committee was appointed to re-empower the institution of Panchayati Raj for democracy and development of India.

Key Points

• The LM Singhvi Committee was appointed in 1986 to examine the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions and suggest measures to make them more effective.
• The Committee was headed by Dr. Laxmi Mall Singhvi, a prominent Indian jurist, diplomat, and scholar.
• One of the key recommendations of the LM Singhvi Committee was the constitutional recognition of Panchayati Raj institutions, which eventually led to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.
• The Committee emphasized the importance of decentralization and local self-government in achieving grassroots-level democracy and development.

Additional Information

• Panchayati Raj System:
  • The Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier system of local government in India, consisting of Gram Panchayats at the village level, Panchayat Samitis at the block level, and Zila Parishads at the district level.
  • This system aims to decentralize governance and empower rural communities by providing them with a platform to participate in local decision-making processes.
  • The system was first introduced by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee in 1957, which recommended the establishment of democratic decentralization in rural areas.
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992:
  • This landmark amendment provided constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions in India.
  • It introduced a uniform structure for Panchayati Raj across the country and mandated regular elections to these institutions every five years.
  • The Act also reserved seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, ensuring their representation in local governance.
  • The 73rd Amendment Act is considered a significant step towards strengthening grassroots democracy and promoting inclusive development.
• Ashok Mehta Committee:
  • Appointed in 1977, the Ashok Mehta Committee was tasked with reviewing the working of Panchayati Raj institutions and suggesting measures for their revitalization.
  • The Committee recommended a two-tier system of Panchayati Raj with Zila Parishad and Mandal Panchayat.
  • It also emphasized the need for greater financial autonomy and a more significant role for Panchayati Raj institutions in planning and development.
• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee:
  • Appointed in 1957, the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee is considered the pioneer in introducing the concept of democratic decentralization in India.
  • The Committee recommended the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system to promote rural development and local self-governance.
  • Its recommendations led to the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions in several Indian states in the 1960s.