The Panchayati Raj System decentralizes administrative powers to ensure development plans reach every region of the nation. This system provides local self-government, ensuring that development schemes are effectively implemented at the grassroots level.
History
The system was first introduced by the Rajasthan government in September 1959. Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated it on October 2, 1959, at Nagaur, Rajasthan. It soon expanded to other states and union territories to facilitate rural development.
Organs of the Panchayati Raj System
- Gram Panchayat: Constituted at the village level to focus on local development. Members are elected by the village people, with a Sarpanch as the head.
- Panchayat Samiti: Operates at the tehsil (taluka) level and includes various elected members. It handles intermediate administration and coordinates development activities within the tehsil.
- Zilla Parishad: Functions at the district level, overseeing the activities of Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis. The District Magistrate (DM) plays a crucial role in this body, ensuring effective implementation of policies and maintaining law and order.
Functions
- Health: Implementing health schemes in rural areas.
- Education: Arranging education for rural children, providing financial aid, and maintaining school infrastructure.
- Agriculture and Animal Husbandry: Supporting farmers with necessary facilities and improving agricultural productivity.
Ashok Mehta Committee Report
The Ashok Mehta Committee, formed in 1977, recommended a two-tier Panchayati Raj System with Zilla Parishads at the district level and Mandal Panchayats covering a group of villages. The committee emphasized strengthening district-level Panchayats with substantial administrative and financial powers and recommended regular elections to ensure accountability. It also advocated for financial autonomy and reservations for marginalized groups.
Many of its suggestions were incorporated into the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which significantly strengthened local self-governance in India.
Conclusion
The Panchayati Raj System plays a crucial role in India’s development, particularly in rural areas. It ensures that governmental schemes reach the grassroots, aiding in faster national development.
By understanding the Panchayati Raj System, we can appreciate its importance in enhancing local governance and promoting sustainable development.
