Ashok Mehta Committee, Background, Recommendations, Significance

The Ashok Mehta Committee was set up by the Government of India to review and improve the system of local self-government in rural areas. At that time, it was felt that the existing Panchayati Raj system was not working effectively in many parts of the country. The committee was asked to suggest ways to make local governance stronger, more active, and more responsive to people’s needs. Its work helped in bringing attention to the importance of strengthening grassroots democracy and improving the functioning of local institutions.

Ashok Mehta Committee Historical Background

• The system of village panchayats started developing during the British period, mainly as a response to the growing demand for local self-governance and participation of people in administration.
• During this time, efforts were made to give people some control over local matters, which allowed citizens to access governance at the grassroots level, especially in rural areas.
• The Government of India Act, 1935 gave more powers to provinces (states) to make their own laws, which also encouraged the development of local self-government institutions.
• After independence, India focused more seriously on strengthening local governance, and an important step was taken when the Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) provided a proper framework for democratic decentralisation, which was later adopted by many states.
• These developments together helped in shaping the modern Panchayati Raj system, which aims to involve people directly in decision-making and rural development.

Ashok Mehta Committee Recommendations

• The committee suggested replacing the old three-tier Panchayati Raj system with a two-tier system, where there would be a Zila Parishad at the district level and a Mandal Panchayat at a lower level, which would include a group of villages with a population of about 15,000 to 20,000 people.
• It recommended that the district should be the main level of decentralisation, meaning that most planning and decision-making should start from the district under the supervision of elected representatives.
• The Zila Parishad should act as the main executive body, responsible for planning, implementing, and managing development programmes at the district level.
• The committee suggested that political parties should be allowed to take part in Panchayat elections, as this would make the system more organised, competitive, and accountable.
• It emphasized that Panchayati Raj institutions should have their own financial powers, including the authority to impose certain taxes, so that they can generate funds and work independently.
• The committee also recommended regular social audits, so that people can check how funds are being used and ensure transparency in local governance.
• It stated that if Panchayati Raj institutions are dissolved or suspended, then fresh elections should be held within six months to restore democratic functioning quickly.
• It suggested appointing a separate Minister for Panchayati Raj at the state level to give more importance and attention to local self-government.
• The committee supported reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure representation of weaker sections in local governance.
• Finally, it strongly recommended giving constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions, so that they become more stable, secure, and protected from political interference.

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Ashok Mehta Committee Significance

• The committee highlighted the weaknesses of the existing Panchayati Raj system and brought attention to the need for reforms.
• It strengthened the idea of democratic decentralisation by giving more importance to the district level in governance.
• It promoted political participation by allowing political parties in Panchayat elections, making the system more active and accountable.
• It emphasized financial independence of Panchayati Raj institutions for better functioning.
• It encouraged transparency and accountability through measures like social audits.
• Its recommendations influenced later reforms and contributed to the demand for constitutional status, which was finally achieved through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992).