Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2021 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Consider the following statements in respect of Ashok Mehta Committee. on Panchayati Raj System in India.
This Committee recommended:
(i) Replacement of the then three-tier system by a two-tier system
(ii) Setting up of Peace Committees at each District level to resolve non-secular issues
(iii) Supremacy of elected bodies through devolution of powers
(iv) Non-participation of political in Panchayati elections
Which of the above statement/s is /are correct?
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (D) (i) and (iii)
The Ashok Mehta Committee was appointed in 1977 by the Janata Party government under PM Morarji Desai to review and revive the declining Panchayati Raj system in India. It submitted its report in 1978.
(i) Replacement of the then three-tier system by a two-tier system-correct.
- The committee recommended replacing the existing three-tier system (Village, Block, District) with a two-tier system — Zilla Parishad at the district level and Mandal Panchayat (covering a group of villages with a population of 15,000-20,000) at the base level. The committee felt that the intermediate block level was unnecessary and weakened the system.
(ii) Setting up of Peace Committees at each District level to resolve non-secular issues-Incorrect
- The Ashok Mehta Committee did not recommend setting up Peace Committees at district level to resolve non-secular issues. This is not among the known recommendations of the committee. The committee’s focus was on strengthening democratic decentralisation and administrative efficiency of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
(iii) Supremacy of elected bodies through devolution of powers-Correct
- The committee recommended supremacy of elected bodies through devolution of powers. It emphasised that Panchayati Raj Institutions should be given real powers and responsibilities, with genuine devolution from the State Government to elected local bodies, making them effective instruments of democratic self-governance.
(iv) Non-participation of political parties in Panchayati elections-Incorrect
- The Ashok Mehta Committee actually recommended the opposite — it favoured participation of political parties in Panchayati Raj elections.The Ashok Mehta Committee believed that political party involvement would bring greater accountability and vibrancy to local governance.
Other Committees related to PRI are
| Committee | Year | Key Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Balwant Rai Mehta Committee | 1957 | Three-tier PRI system (Village, Block, District).Democratic decentralisation. Gram Panchayat at village level, Panchayat Samiti at block level, Zilla Parishad at district level. |
| G.V.K. Rao Committee | 1985 | The district should be the basic unit of planning. Appointed by the Planning Commission. Stressed revitalisation of PRIs. Called the existing PRIs as "grass without roots." Regular elections to be held. District Collector’s role to be redefined. |
| L.M. Singhvi Committee | 1986 | Constitutional recognition of PRIs. Gram Sabha should be the base of decentralised democracy. Suggested constitutional protection for PRIs. Recommended reorganisation of villages. More financial resources to Panchayats. Judicial tribunals for PRI election disputes. |
| Thungon Committee | 1988 | Constitutional recognition of PRIs. Regular and timely elections. Reservation for SC/ST and women. Fixed five-year term. Proportional representation. |
| Gadgil Committee | 1988 | Constitutional status for PRIs. Fixed tenure of five years. Reservation for SC/ST and women. Three-tier system. State Finance Commission. State Election Commission for conducting PRI elections. |
