Rural Development means improving the living standard of the people who live in rural areas. This development is done by providing job opportunities and good education. Development is very important for increasing a country’s economy. The system of Panchayati raj is introduced for rural development. It is a three-tier structure of Indian administration. We will read about the concepts of Panchayati raj in this article.

Further, we will also see about departments of rural development. For better understanding, reading the topic will clear all your doubts. So let’s begin and see what rural development is. 

Panchayati Raj and Rural Development

Panchyati Raj is the three-tier structure of Indian administration. It is responsible for the development in rural areas. It is a governing body of zones, districts, and villages. Mostly, in all the states of India, this concept of Panchayati raj is followed. Balwant Rai Mehta is known as the father of Panchayati raj. He was a parliamentarian who first introduced the idea of Panchayati raj. Panchayati Raj ensures development in education, jobs, agriculture, and medicines in rural areas. A country’s development is measured by the overall development of all the sectors. So development in rural areas is a must, as according to a census of 2011, 68% of the population lives in rural areas. 

This concept of Panchayati raj is not introduced only in a few states. These states are Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya. Also, except Delhi, all other union territories do not follow this concept. Now let’s discuss Panchayati raj in detail. 

Introduction to Panchayati Raj

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee – Balwant rai was the first person who introduced the idea of Panchayati raj. In the year 1957, he appointed a committee. This committee was set up to monitor India’s economy’s development and check the working of government programs. This committee came up with establishing a local government body or Panchayati system. 

  • The three-tier structure was suggested to be established. 
  • That structure was: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad. 
  • The election for Gram Panchayat was to be held directly.
  • The function of Zila Parishad is to supervise and give advice.
  • The executive body is the Panchayat Samiti. 
  • The main objective to establish this was to monitor the development of the 
  • Rural areas.
  • The chairman of the Zila Parishad is the District Collector.

Ashok Mehta Committee -This committee was appointed in 1977. By that time, the power of Panchayati Raj was declining. So, to strengthen it, this committee was formed. 

  • This committee suggested the formation of only two bodies. 
  • Those bodies were: Zila Parishad and Mandal Panchayat.
  • Here also, the Zila Parishad is the executive body. It has the power to make all the decisions.
  • Powers of taxation are given to governing bodies. 

GVK Rao Committee – In 1985, this committee was appointed. It was done to strengthen the Panchayat Raj. 

  • In the scheme of democratic decentralisation, Zila Parishad was made the most important body.
  • Conduction of regular elections was made compulsory.
  • All the important decisions were taken by the Zila Parishad only.
  • This committee introduced the post of CEO of Zila Parishad.

LM Singhvi Committee – In 1986, this committee was appointed. The Government of India appointed this committee. 

  • Judicial Tribunals were set up in every state.
  • It is set up for solving disputes related to elections.
  • Committee asked for recognition from the constitution. 

Objectives of Department of Rural Development 

These are some objectives of rural development: 

  • Developing the Infrastructures
  • Reducing the poverty
  • Increasing the wages 
  • Providing proper health facilities.
  • Increasing the chances of employability
  • Providing quality education
  • Development in the field of agriculture
  • Development of small scale irrigation
  • Proper supply of electricity in the rural areas.
  • Improving female literacy rate

Importance of Rural Development

As discussed above, Rural Development is necessary for a country’s overall progress. It is because most of the population lives in rural areas. They are deprived of basic needs. They all need good resources for a good life, which can help uplift them. It is very important to ensure that the people in rural areas are getting clothes, food, medicines or not. As India is an agricultural country, about 75% of the total population depends on the agriculture sector for their livelihood.

Conclusion

Hence, it is concluded that rural development is necessary for a country’s development. The system of Panchayati raj is introduced for rural development. It is a three-tier structure of Indian administration. Panchayati Raj ensures development in education, jobs, agriculture, and medicines in rural areas. This article discussed all the concepts related to Panchayati Raj and rural development. Further, we also discussed the evolution of Panchayati raj. After reading this article, I hope all the concepts regarding rural development will be clear.