Balwantray Mehta Committee (Panchayat Raj)

 Balwantray Mehta Committee:

        The word Panchayat Raj was first introduced into the constitution by Balwantray Committee. The Indian Government established this committee on 16 Jan 1957. The responsibility was examining Community Development Programme and National Extension Service. After all the analysis and research, the committee submitted the report to the government and recommended the establishment of Panchayat Raj (Democratic Decentralisation). 

Panchayat Raj: 

        The reason behind the implementation of this method was Gandhi, who insisted on the concept "Gram Swaraj(Local Self Governance)". The meaning of Panchayat is Pan(Five) + Ayat(Assembly). Minimum Five members required to take any decision at the local body level.

Recommendation:

• Democratic Decentralisation (Providing authority to local level)
• Establishment of a three-tier governance system. GramPanchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samithi at the block level, Zilla Parisad at District level  
• The village panchayat should have directly elected members, whereas Panchayat Samithi and Zilla Parisad should have indirectly elected members.
• All Planning and development activities should be given to these bodies.
• The Panchayat Samiti should be the executive body, Zilla Parishad should be an advisory body
• The district collector should be the chairman of the Zilla Parishad.
• There should be a genuine transfer of power between these bodies.
• Adequate resources should be given to these bodies.      

Who implemented the Panchayat Raj first?

        Rajasthan was the first state to establish the Panchayati Raj. The scheme was inaugurated by PM in 1959 at Nagaur district. Followed by Rajasthan, Andra Pradesh established the Panchayat Raj 

Duties of Village President (Sarpanch):

        If any of the village members need help regarding the below issues, they can directly contact the Village President or Ward member. 

        1. Local Body Development activities

        2. Basic infrastructure and amenities

        3. Water supply for residential area and Farmland

        4. Road erection within villages

        5. Sewage cleaning and maintenance

        6. Street lights

        7. Wastage and dump area

        8. Bus stop 

Financial Support for Gram Panchayat:

        In addition to below income, If Village governance needs any money in urgent like Constructing Road, Water tank, hospital, school,  then-President have rights to collect tax with affordable range.

        1. State Government Development Scheme

        2. Central Government Development Scheme

        3. Taxes on the house, water, property, and maintenance