Question

Who is called the architect of Panchayati Raj system in India?

• A. B.R. Mehta
• B. Ashok Mehta
• C. L.M. Singhvi
• D. G.B.K. Rao

Hint:

Match the names: Balwantrai Mehta—3-tier (1957); Ashok Mehta—2-tier (1977); L.M. Singhvi—constitutional status (1986).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Identify the committee and its legacy.
Balwantrai (B.R.) Mehta chaired the Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957), which recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj structure—{Gram Panchayat} (village), {Panchayat Samiti} (block), and {Zila Parishad} (district)—with democratic decentralisation.

Step 2: Why he is called “architect.”
His recommendations formed the blueprint for early adoption of Panchayati Raj (beginning with Rajasthan in 1959), hence he is widely called the “architect” or “father” of Panchayati Raj in India.

Step 3: Differentiate from other committees.
- Ashok Mehta Committee (1977): Proposed a two-tier model and district-level planning; important but later.
- L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986): Recommended constitutional status to PRIs and Gram Sabha as the base.
- G.B.K. Rao Committee: Looked at administrative arrangements; not credited as the architect.

Step 4: Conclude. \[ \boxed{\text{B.R. (Balwantrai) Mehta (Option A) — “architect” of Panchayati Raj.}} \]