PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2023
Answer
Rajasthan
Explanation
The Panchayati Raj system was first introduced in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was officially inaugurated by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on October 2, 1959, in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. This system was based on the recommendations of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957), which proposed a three-tier local self-government structure.
Key Points
- > First State: Rajasthan (Nagaur district).
- > Inauguration Date: October 2, 1959 (Gandhi Jayanti).
- > Andhra Pradesh was the second state to adopt it in 1959.
- > Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended the 3-tier system.
- > Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) recommended a 2-tier system.
- > The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj.
- > Part IX and the 11th Schedule deal with Panchayats.
Additional Information
Committees on Panchayati Raj
| Committee | Year | Key Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Balwant Rai Mehta | 1957 | 3-tier Panchayati system |
| Ashok Mehta | 1977 | 2-tier Panchayati system |
| L.M. Singhvi | 1986 | Constitutional status |
| 73rd Amendment | 1992 | Official Constitutional Act |
Memory Tips
- Connect the Raj in Panchayati Raj with Rajasthan, the first state to implement it.