Indian Administration

25

Panchayati Raj

The panchayats were established by most of the state governments in India after Independence, but a major step in this direction was taken on the basis of Balwantrai Mehta Committee’s report in 1957 which recommended three-tier panchayati raj system in India. During this period several steps were taken to strengthen panchayati raj by central as well as state governments in the country. Keeping in view many past attempts, the central government found the solution in the form of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, to remove the weaknesses of panchayati raj. It is argued that ‘this Act seeks to enshrine democracy at grassroots,’ as it intends ‘to give power to the people’, and it will end corruption and fight and finish power ...