The constitutional status for Panchayati Raj institutions was recommended by which of the following committees?

The correct answer is L.M. Singhvi Committee.

Key Points

• The L.M. Singhvi Committee was appointed in 1986 by the Government of India to revitalize Panchayati Raj institutions for democracy and development.
• The committee recommended the inclusion of a separate chapter on Panchayats in the Constitution, leading to the establishment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
• The key recommendation was to provide constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions to ensure their continuity, stability, and autonomy.
• The committee emphasized the need for regular elections to Panchayati Raj institutions and the establishment of a State Finance Commission to allocate funds to these bodies.

Additional Information

• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
  • This Act added Part IX to the Constitution titled "The Panchayats" and the Eleventh Schedule covering 29 subjects under the Panchayati Raj institutions.
  • It mandates the establishment of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels.
  • The Act ensures that Panchayats operate as units of self-government and hold regular elections every five years.
  • It provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
• State Finance Commission
  • It is constituted every five years to review the financial position of the Panchayats and make recommendations to the Governor regarding the distribution of financial resources.
  • The commission ensures that Panchayats receive adequate funds for their functions and development activities.
• Gram Sabha
  • It is a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village within the area of the Panchayat at the village level.
  • The Gram Sabha is a forum for direct democracy where citizens can participate in decision-making and hold the Panchayat accountable.
• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
  • Appointed in 1957, it recommended the establishment of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in India.
  • The committee's report led to the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions in various states during the 1960s.