Question

Select the correct sequence of evolution of Panchayat Raj.
(i) National Extension Service
(ii) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee Report
(iii) Ashok Mehta Committee Report
(iv) 73rd Amendment of the Constitution
(A) ii, iii, i, iv
(B) i, ii, iii, iv
(C) i, iii, iv, ii
(D) iv, iii, ii, i

Answer 1

Hint:
India had Panchayats from a very old time but it was not formally recognised. The recommendations of various committees lead to the recognition of Panchayats formally and this was followed by an amendment in the Constitution of India.

Complete answer:
The word ‘Panchayat’ is a Hindi world which means ‘council of 5’. Panchayati Raj is the system of local self governance. It is found in the villages. In India decentralisation of power has been an area of great concern because to govern such a vast country decentralization ensures that the policies forwarded and made for the people by the centre reaches every strata and benefits the needy.
The motive of establishing Panchayat Raj was to bring about economic development in the villages of India as they had been neglected and left behind for a long period of time. They had to ensure that the programmes of the Central and State government are passed and implemented properly at the local levels.
The Constitution of India identifies the Panchayati Raj. The Balwant Rai Committee firstly recommended its formal organisation. Followed by this the Ashok Mehta Committee recommended the establishment of the scheme of ‘democratic decentralisation’. After this the Nation Extension Service was passed. Finally the 73rd amendment in the Constitution of India identified the Panchayati Raj.
The Constitution of India identifies the Panchayati Raj.
States and Union Territories that have more than two million population have 3 levels of PRIs
1) Gram Panchayat
2) Intermediate Panchayat
3) District Panchayat
States and Union Territories that have less than two million population have 2 levels of PRIs
1) Gram Panchayat
2) District Panchayat

Additional information:
Gram Panchayats - It is also known as village Panchayat and is found at the village level or in small towns. It elects Sarpanch as its head.
Intermediate Panchayats - It is known as Panchayat Samiti or Block Development Council or Kshetra Panchayat. It is sometimes called as ‘panchayats or panchayat’ and works for the development at block levels.
District Panchayat - It is also known as Zila Panchayat or District Council or Mandal Parishad or District Councils of India. It is also an elected body formed by the members of the State Legislature and the members of Parliament of India.

Note:
According to the Constitution of India it is mandatory for the Panchayats to include people from the Scheduled Caste (SCs) and the Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the same proportion as present in the general population of that area.
So, the correct option is (A): ii, iii, i, iv
The correct sequence of evolution of Panchayat Raj.
1) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee Report
2) Ashok Mehta Committee Report
3) National Extension Service
4) 73rd Amendment of the Constitution