Thungon Committee

In 1988, a sub-committee of the Consultative Committee of Parliament was constituted under the chairmanship of P.K. Thungon to examine the political and administrative structure in the district for the purpose of district planning. This committee suggested for the strengthening of the Panchayati Raj system. It made the following recommendations:

1. The Panchayati Raj bodies should be constitutionally recognized.

2. A three-tier system of Panchayati Raj with panchayats at the village, block and district levels.

3. Zilla Parishad should be the pivot of the Panchayati Raj system. It should act as the planning and development agency in the district.

4. The Panchayati Raj bodies should have a fixed tenure of five years.

5. The maximum period of super session of a body should be six months.

6. A planning and co-ordination committee should be set-up at the state level under the chairmanship of the minister for planning. The presidents of Zilla Parishads should be its members.

7. A detailed list of subjects for Panchayati Raj should be prepared and incorporated in the Constitution.

8. Reservation of seats in all the three-tiers should be on the basis of population. There should also be reservation for women.

9. A state finance commission should be set-up in each state. It would lay down the criteria and guidelines for the devolution of finances to the Panchayati Raj institutions.

10. The district collector should be the chief executive officer of the Zilla Parishad.