Gadgil Committee

The Committee on Policy and Programmes was constituted in 1988 by the Congress party under the chairmanship of V.N. Gadgil. This committee was asked to consider the question of "how best Panchayati Raj institutions could be made effective”. In this context, the committee made the following recommendations:

1. A constitutional status should be bestowed on the Panchayati Raj institutions.

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

3. The term of Panchayati Raj institutions should be fixed at five years.

4. The members of the Panchayats at all the three levels should be directly elected.

5. Reservation for SCs, STs and women.

6. The Panchayati Raj bodies should have the responsibility of preparation and implementation of plans for socioeconomic development. For this purpose, a list of subjects should be specified in the constitution.

7. The Panchayat Raj bodies should be empowered to levy, collect and appropriate taxes and duties.

8. Establishment of a State Finance Commission for the allocation of finances to the Panchayats.

9. Establishment of a State Election Commission for the conduction of elections to the panchayats.

The above recommendations of the Gadgil Committee became the basis for drafting an amendment bill aimed at conferring the constitutional status and protection to the Panchayati Raj institutions.