Time to Worry about Costs

SHORTLY after its inception in 1952! it was realised that active public participation was necessary for the success of the community project movement, later recast into national extension and development blocks. Even after local representatives were associated in an advisory capacity, it was found that local initiative was still not aroused and institutions that would ensure continuous improvement of social and economic conditions in rural areas were still lacking. The Balwantray Mehta Committee examined the working of the movement and recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj and reorganisation of district administration. Since the adoption of the Panchayati Raj resolution by AICC at its Bhavnagar session in 1961 most States have introduced Panchayati Raj.