Answer:

Panchayats in India have existed since Mauryan times. To further strengthen the institution it was included in DPSP through Art 40. Hence, various efforts were made in this direction by different governments.

♤ Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, 1957: It was constituted to assess the Community Development Programme. The committee recommended the need of ‘democratic decentralization’ through 3-tier Panchayati raj system.

After this, various states such as Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh etc. established panchayati raj system. Other committees constituted regarding Panchayats were:

♤ Ashok Mehta Committee, 1977: Recommended 2-tier system and power of taxation with PRIs to mobilise their own resources

♤ GVK Rao Committee, 1985: Recommended elections should be held regularly.

♤ LM Singhvi Committee, 1986: Recommended constitutional status to PRIs and increased financial resources for panchayats.

Prior to 1992, many state governments had established panchayati system which differed in many aspects – number of tiers, devolution of powers, reservation system etc. With 73rd Constitution amendment, a uniform system was created. It gave constitutional status to PRIs, brought them under the purview of justiciable part of Constitution, and ensured elections at regular intervals. Above all, it played instrumental role in social inclusion of vulnerable sections of population.

♤ Political Participation: Increased political participation of women, SC and STs through reservation.

♤ Women Empowerment: Enabled women to come out of home and take part in developmental activities, politics and decision making.

♤ Policy process: Empowering different sections to be a part of policy process from inception to implementation.

♤ Engendering: Brought gender perspective to policies and programme.

♤ Opportunities: Various anti-poverty programmes implemented by PRIs helped in providing employment opportunities, housing facilities etc.

♤ Improving Society: It has helped to achieve social objectives such as caste equality, family planning, girls education, arresting girl child death, preventing dowry

♤ Against social ills: Several panchayats have also successfully restricted use of intoxicating drinks and drugs.

The process of social inclusion can be further accelerated if greater powers, funds, functions and functionaries are devolved to panchayats by the states. 13th and 14th Finance Commissions have increased the allocation of funds to panchayats. Similar steps are also being taken by states signaling greater power to poor and deprived.