ANALYSING LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT: EXPLORING REFORM PROPOSALS

ABSTRACT
This research paper delves into the intricate dynamics of local self-government, Local self-government maybe described as
popularly elected bodies charged with administrative and executive duties in matters concerning the inhabitants of a
particular district or place and vested with powers to make bye-laws locally for their guidance. This paper focuses on three
critical dimensions of local self-government: Ppromoting citizenship participation, leveraging transparency for
accountability, and assessing the impact of fiscal decentralization. In the context of evolving governance paradigms,
understanding these dimensions is paramount for fostering inclusive and effective local governance systems.

The first dimension, promoting citizenship participation, underscores the imperative of empowering citizens to actively
engage in decision-making processes at the local level. Through a comprehensive review of literature, case studies, and
empirical data, this paper examines the factors influencing citizen participation, the role of institutional mechanisms in
facilitating inclusive governance, and strategies for enhancing community engagement in local affairs. By analysing diverse
models of participatory governance and drawing insights from successful initiatives, this research identifies actionable
recommendations to strengthen citizenship participation and promote grassroots democracy.

The second dimension, leveraging transparency for accountability, underscores the pivotal role of transparency and
information disclosure in ensuring effective governance and fostering public trust. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks
and empirical evidence, this paper explores the linkages between transparency, accountability, and good governance
practices in local self-government. It examines the impact of transparency-enhancing measures, such as open data
initiatives, citizen feedback mechanisms, and participatory budgeting, in promoting accountability and curbing corruption
at the local level. Through comparative analysis and case studies, the research identifies best practices and policy
interventions to bolster transparency and accountability mechanisms in local governance structures.

The third dimension, assessing the impact of fiscal decentralization, critically evaluates the implications of devolving
financial powers and resources to local governments. By analysing fiscal decentralization policies, revenue-sharing
mechanisms, and expenditure patterns, this paper assesses the extent to which fiscal decentralization contributes to
improved service delivery, local development outcomes, and fiscal sustainability. Drawing upon empirical studies and
comparative analyses, the research identifies challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities associated with fiscal
decentralization reforms, offering insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to enhance the effectiveness
of decentralized governance systems.

In synthesizing these dimensions, this research paper provides a holistic understanding of the dynamics shaping local self-
government in contemporary contexts. By elucidating the interplay between citizenship participation, transparency, and
fiscal decentralization, this study contributes to the discourse on democratic governance, accountability, and sustainable
development at the grassroots level.

Keywords: Local self-government, Citizenship participation, Fiscal decentralisation Transparency

and accountability.
Background of Local Self-Government:

Local self-government, often referred to as local governance or decentralization, is a system where

administrative and political authority is devolved from the central government to sub-national
entities, such as municipalities, counties, or districts. This system empowers local communities to
manage their own affairs, make decisions, and provide services tailored to their specific needs and
priorities. The concept of local self-government is rooted in the principles of democracy, subsidiarity,
and community empowerment.

Historically, the idea of local self-government has evolved alongside the development of democratic
governance structures. It has been influenced by various political philosophies and movements,
including liberalism, federalism, and municipal socialism. The origins of modern local self-
government can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome, where city-states
and local assemblies played a significant role in governance.

In the modern era, local self-government gained prominence during the 19th and 20th centuries, as
part of broader efforts to democratize governance and empower local communities. The industrial
revolution and urbanization led to the growth of cities and the emergence of local governments as
key actors in providing essential services such as sanitation, education, and public health.

The functions and responsibilities of local self-government vary across countries and regions,
depending on legal frameworks, historical legacies, and socio-political contexts. In some countries,
local governments have significant autonomy in areas such as taxation, land use planning, and
service delivery, while in others, their powers may be more limited, with decisions often subject to
approval or oversight by central authorities.

Despite its potential benefits, local self-government faces various challenges, including fiscal
constraints, administrative capacity limitations, and issues related to accountability and transparency.
These challenges have led to calls for reform and innovation in local governance systems, with
proposals aimed at enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and citizen participation.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of local self-government in
addressing complex societal challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and social inequality.
As a result, there is increasing emphasis on strengthening local governance structures, empowering
local authorities, and promoting participatory decision-making processes.

In summary, the background of local self-government reflects its evolution as a fundamental aspect
of democratic governance, rooted in principles of community empowerment and subsidiarity. While
facing challenges, local self-government remains essential for promoting effective, responsive, and
accountable governance at the grassroots level.

Fiscal decentralization in local self-government refers to the transfer of financial powers and
responsibilities from the central government to local authorities. It involves granting local
governments the authority to raise revenue, manage finances, and make expenditure decisions
independently within a defined legal framework. Fiscal decentralization is a critical aspect of local
self-government as it enables local authorities to tailor policies and allocate resources according to
local priorities and needs. Here's an analysis of fiscal decentralization in local self-government:

1. **Revenue Autonomy**: Fiscal decentralization allows local governments to diversify their

revenue sources beyond central government transfers. This may include the authority to impose
local taxes, fees, charges, and levies. Revenue autonomy enables local authorities to generate funds
based on local economic conditions and preferences, reducing dependency on central grants and
enhancing fiscal sustainability.

2. **Expenditure Authority**: Local self-government with fiscal decentralization entails the power to
decide how allocated funds are spent. This authority allows local authorities to prioritize spending
based on local needs, preferences, and development goals. It fosters efficiency and effectiveness in
resource allocation, as local governments are better positioned to understand and respond to local
challenges and opportunities.

3. **Equalization Mechanisms**: Despite revenue-raising powers, fiscal decentralization should

incorporate mechanisms to ensure equity across regions. Equalization transfers or grants from the
central government can be used to mitigate disparities in fiscal capacity between affluent and
disadvantaged areas. These mechanisms aim to promote fairness and social cohesion while
maintaining local autonomy.

4. **Financial Management Capacity**: Effective fiscal decentralization requires building the

financial management capacity of local governments. This includes enhancing budgeting, accounting,
and reporting systems, as well as providing training and technical assistance to local officials.
Strengthening financial management capacity improves transparency, accountability, and the ability
to utilize resources efficiently.

5. **Inter-Governmental Fiscal Relations**: Fiscal decentralization necessitates clear frameworks for

inter-governmental fiscal relations to govern the flow of funds between central and local levels. This
involves defining revenue-sharing mechanisms, transfer criteria, and responsibilities for financing
specific services. Transparent and predictable fiscal relations contribute to stability and trust
between different levels of government.

6. **Local Economic Development**: Fiscal decentralization can incentivize local economic

development by aligning revenue-raising powers with economic activities and investments. Local
governments may implement tax incentives, infrastructure projects, and business-friendly policies to
attract investment and stimulate growth. This promotes economic diversification, job creation, and
prosperity at the local level.

7. **Challenges and Risks**: Despite its benefits, fiscal decentralization poses challenges such as
revenue volatility, capacity constraints, and fiscal imbalances. Local governments may struggle to
generate sufficient revenue or manage resources effectively, leading to budget deficits or service
delivery shortcomings. Moreover, inadequate fiscal coordination between central and local
authorities can result in inefficiencies and conflicts.

In conclusion, fiscal decentralization in local self-government offers opportunities for enhancing local
autonomy, promoting efficiency, and fostering socio-economic development. However, its success
depends on establishing clear legal frameworks, building financial management capacity, ensuring
equity, and fostering constructive inter-governmental relations. Effective fiscal decentralization can
empower local authorities to better serve their communities and contribute to overall governance
effectiveness.

Citizen participation in local self-government refers to the active involvement of community

members in decision-making processes, policy formulation, and governance activities at the local
level. It is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance that empowers citizens to contribute to
shaping their communities, holding local authorities accountable, and addressing local issues
effectively. Here's an analysis of citizen participation in local self-government:

1. **Forms of Participation**: Citizen participation can take various forms, ranging from traditional
methods such as voting in local elections and attending public meetings to more contemporary
approaches such as participatory budgeting, citizen assemblies, and online engagement platforms.
These forms of participation provide opportunities for citizens to voice their opinions, express their
preferences, and contribute to local decision-making processes.

2. **Promoting Inclusivity**: Citizen participation in local self-government is essential for ensuring

inclusivity and representation in decision-making. It allows marginalized groups, including women,
minorities, youth, and people with disabilities, to have a voice in shaping policies and programs that
affect their lives. Efforts to promote inclusivity may involve targeted outreach, capacity-building
initiatives, and the creation of accessible and inclusive participation mechanisms.

3. **Enhancing Transparency and Accountability**: Citizen participation serves as a mechanism for

enhancing transparency and accountability in local governance. By involving citizens in decision-
making processes, local authorities are compelled to be more transparent about their actions,
decisions, and use of public resources. Citizen oversight and feedback also help hold local officials
accountable for their performance and adherence to democratic principles.

4. **Strengthening Social Cohesion**: Citizen participation in local self-government fosters social

cohesion and community solidarity by bringing residents together to address common concerns and
work towards shared goals. Collaborative decision-making processes build trust and mutual respect
among community members and between citizens and government authorities, creating a sense of
ownership and belonging.

5. **Building Civic Capacity**: Citizen participation in local self-government contributes to the

development of civic capacity and political efficacy among community members. By engaging in civic
activities, citizens acquire knowledge about local governance structures, processes, and issues,
empowering them to advocate for their interests, mobilize resources, and effect positive change in
their communities.

6. **Challenges and Barriers**: Despite its importance, citizen participation in local self-government
faces various challenges and barriers. These may include limited awareness and understanding of
participation opportunities, unequal access to decision-making processes, language and literacy
barriers, power differentials, and apathy or disengagement among certain segments of the
population. Overcoming these challenges requires proactive efforts to address barriers, promote
inclusivity, and create enabling environments for citizen engagement.

7. **Role of Technology**: Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating citizen participation in local
self-government, particularly in an increasingly digital world. Online platforms, social media, mobile
applications, and other digital tools provide opportunities for broadening participation, reaching
diverse audiences, and facilitating real-time communication and feedback between citizens and
government authorities.

In conclusion, citizen participation is a cornerstone of effective local self-government, contributing to

democratic governance, social cohesion, transparency, and accountability. By actively involving
citizens in decision-making processes and fostering inclusive participation mechanisms, local
authorities can harness the collective wisdom, expertise, and energy of their communities to address
local challenges and promote the common good.
Accountability and transparency are essential principles in local self-government that ensure
government officials are responsible for their actions, decisions, and use of public resources. They
foster trust between citizens and local authorities, promote good governance, and contribute to the
effective functioning of democratic institutions. Here's an analysis of accountability and transparency
in local self-government:

1. **Accountability Mechanisms**: Local self-government institutions establish various mechanisms

to hold officials accountable for their actions. These may include regular elections, where citizens can
vote for candidates based on their performance and promises. Additionally, local councils or
assemblies provide forums for oversight, where elected representatives scrutinize government
actions, budgets, and policies. Moreover, independent auditing bodies or ombudsmen may be
appointed to investigate complaints, allegations of misconduct, or financial irregularities.

2. **Transparency Measures**: Transparency ensures that local self-government activities are open
and accessible to the public. Transparency measures include publishing government decisions,
meeting minutes, budgets, and financial statements on publicly accessible platforms. Providing
access to information empowers citizens to monitor government actions, assess performance, and
hold officials accountable for their decisions. Moreover, transparent procurement processes and
public tendering enhance accountability and prevent corruption by ensuring fair competition and
equitable resource allocation.

3. **Citizen Engagement**: Engaging citizens in decision-making processes enhances accountability

and transparency in local self-government. Local authorities may organize public consultations, town
hall meetings, or citizen forums to solicit input on policies, projects, and service delivery. Additionally,
participatory budgeting initiatives allow citizens to prioritize funding allocations and monitor
expenditure decisions. Meaningful citizen engagement ensures that government actions align with
community needs and preferences, while also fostering trust and cooperation between citizens and
officials.

4. **Open Data Initiatives**: Local self-government entities increasingly adopt open data initiatives
to promote transparency and accountability. By making government data and information publicly
available in machine-readable formats, citizens, civil society organizations, and researchers can
analyze and scrutinize government performance, service delivery, and expenditure patterns. Open
data platforms enable data-driven decision-making, enhance government accountability, and
encourage innovation in public service delivery.

5. **Ethics and Integrity Measures**: Upholding ethical standards and integrity is crucial for
maintaining accountability and transparency in local self-government. Local authorities may establish
codes of conduct, ethics committees, or integrity units to prevent conflicts of interest, corruption,
and abuse of power. Whistleblower protection mechanisms empower individuals to report
wrongdoing without fear of retaliation, further strengthening accountability and integrity within
government institutions.
6. **Training and Capacity Building**: Building the capacity of local officials and staff in
accountability and transparency practices is essential for effective governance. Training programs on
ethics, transparency, and citizen engagement equip government employees with the necessary skills
and knowledge to uphold accountability standards and engage with citizens effectively. Moreover,
promoting a culture of accountability within local self-government institutions fosters a sense of
responsibility and commitment to serving the public interest.

In summary, accountability and transparency are fundamental principles in local self-government

that ensure government officials are responsible, responsive, and accountable to citizens. By
implementing accountability mechanisms, transparency measures, citizen engagement initiatives,
open data initiatives, ethics and integrity measures, and capacity-building programs, local authorities
can enhance governance effectiveness, build public trust, and promote democratic values and
principles.

Loopholes in local self-government systems can undermine their effectiveness, transparency, and
accountability. Identifying and addressing these loopholes is crucial for strengthening democratic
governance and improving service delivery at the local level. Here are some common loopholes
found in local self-government:

1. **Weak Oversight Mechanisms**: Inadequate oversight mechanisms can lead to corruption,

mismanagement, and abuse of power within local self-government institutions. Weaknesses in
oversight may include limited transparency in decision-making processes, ineffective auditing
procedures, and insufficient checks and balances on the actions of local officials.

2. **Lack of Citizen Participation**: Limited opportunities for citizen participation can result in
decision-making processes that are not inclusive or representative of community interests.
Loopholes in citizen participation may include tokenistic engagement efforts, barriers to accessing
information and decision-making forums, and insufficient mechanisms for feedback and
accountability.

3. **Centralized Control**: Centralized control by higher levels of government can undermine the
autonomy and effectiveness of local self-government. Loopholes in decentralization may include
excessive bureaucratic red tape, unfunded mandates, and interference in local decision-making
processes by central authorities.

4. **Financial Mismanagement**: Poor financial management practices can lead to budget deficits,
misallocation of resources, and financial irregularities within local self-government institutions.
Loopholes in financial management may include inadequate budgetary controls, lack of transparency
in revenue generation and expenditure, and weak accountability mechanisms for financial decisions.
5. **Political Patronage**: Political patronage and nepotism can undermine merit-based decision-
making and promote favoritism within local self-government institutions. Loopholes in political
patronage may include the appointment of unqualified individuals to key positions, the allocation of
resources based on political considerations rather than community needs, and the exclusion of
marginalized groups from decision-making processes.

6. **Limited Capacity**: Insufficient capacity among local officials and staff can hinder effective
governance and service delivery. Loopholes in capacity may include inadequate training and
professional development opportunities, high turnover rates among personnel, and reliance on
outdated technologies and methodologies.

7. **Inadequate Legal Frameworks**: Weak or outdated legal frameworks governing local self-
government can create ambiguity and loopholes that undermine accountability and transparency.
Loopholes in legal frameworks may include vague or contradictory regulations, gaps in enforcement
mechanisms, and inadequate penalties for misconduct or corruption.

8. **Lack of Civic Education**: A lack of civic education and awareness among citizens can weaken
accountability mechanisms and perpetuate a culture of apathy and disengagement. Loopholes in
civic education may include limited access to information about rights, responsibilities, and avenues
for participation, as well as a lack of platforms for civic dialogue and debate.

Addressing these loopholes requires comprehensive reforms that strengthen oversight mechanisms,
promote citizen participation, enhance financial management practices, ensure political neutrality,
build institutional capacity, update legal frameworks, and invest in civic education and awareness-
raising efforts. By closing these loopholes, local self-government institutions can become more
transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of their communities.

Empirical research

Reforms or suggestions to enhance citizen participation in local self-government are crucial for
promoting inclusive governance, strengthening democracy, and ensuring that the voices of all
community members are heard. Here are several suggestions for reforms in citizen participation:

1. **Promote Awareness and Education**: Launch public awareness campaigns and educational
programs to inform citizens about their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for participation in
local self-government. Increase civic education in schools and communities to cultivate a culture of
active citizenship from an early age.
2. **Accessible Information and Communication**: Improve access to information about local
government processes, decisions, and policies through transparent and user-friendly communication
channels. Utilize digital platforms, community bulletin boards, public meetings, and newsletters to
disseminate information and engage citizens effectively.

3. **Strengthen Community Engagement**: Establish mechanisms for meaningful community

engagement, such as citizen advisory committees, neighborhood forums, and participatory
budgeting initiatives. Empower community organizations, civil society groups, and grassroots
movements to advocate for local issues and mobilize collective action.

4. **Facilitate Two-Way Communication**: Foster dialogue and collaboration between citizens and
local government officials through regular meetings, public consultations, and town hall forums.
Create opportunities for citizens to express their concerns, provide feedback, and co-create solutions
with government representatives.

5. **Utilize Technology**: Harness the potential of technology to enhance citizen participation in

local self-government. Develop online platforms, mobile applications, and social media channels for
citizen engagement, feedback collection, and participatory decision-making. Leverage digital tools to
reach diverse audiences and facilitate remote participation.

6. **Inclusive Decision-Making Processes**: Ensure that decision-making processes are inclusive,

transparent, and accountable. Involve citizens in all stages of policy development, from agenda-
setting and problem identification to policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
Incorporate diverse perspectives and prioritize the needs of marginalized and underrepresented
groups.

7. **Capacity Building and Empowerment**: Build the capacity of citizens to participate effectively in
local self-government by providing training, resources, and support. Offer workshops, seminars, and
skills-building sessions on topics such as advocacy, community organizing, leadership development,
and civic engagement techniques.

8. **Recognize and Reward Participation**: Acknowledge and reward citizen participation in local
self-government to incentivize engagement and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Establish awards, recognition programs, and incentives for individuals and groups that contribute to
community development and civic engagement initiatives.

9. **Legal and Institutional Reforms**: Advocate for legal and institutional reforms to strengthen
citizen participation mechanisms and institutionalize participatory governance practices. Review and
revise existing laws, regulations, and administrative procedures to remove barriers to participation
and ensure the protection of citizens' rights.
10. **Evaluate and Iterate**: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of citizen participation
initiatives and solicit feedback from participants to identify areas for improvement. Adapt and iterate
participation processes based on lessons learned, changing community needs, and emerging best
practices in participatory governance.

By implementing these reforms and suggestions, local self-government entities can empower citizens
to actively engage in decision-making processes, strengthen democratic governance, and build more
inclusive and resilient communities.

Reforms or suggestions on fiscal decentralization in local self-government are essential for promoting
local autonomy, improving service delivery, and enhancing accountability. Here are several
suggestions for reforms in fiscal decentralization:

1. **Devolve Fiscal Powers**: Grant greater autonomy and decision-making authority to local self-
government entities in managing their finances. Devolve revenue-raising powers, such as the ability
to impose local taxes, fees, and charges, to enable local authorities to generate revenue
independently.

2. **Equalization Mechanisms**: Implement equalization mechanisms to address fiscal disparities

between local governments. Allocate central transfers or grants to ensure that less affluent areas
have adequate resources to provide essential services and maintain a minimum standard of living for
residents.

3. **Transparent Revenue Sharing**: Establish transparent mechanisms for revenue sharing

between central and local governments. Define clear criteria for allocating central funds to local
authorities based on factors such as population size, economic capacity, and service needs.

4. **Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability**: Enhance fiscal responsibility and accountability at the
local level by implementing measures such as budget transparency, expenditure tracking, and
financial reporting requirements. Hold local officials accountable for managing public funds
efficiently and effectively.

5. **Capacity Building**: Build the financial management capacity of local government officials and
staff through training, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Provide resources and
support to help local authorities develop budgeting, accounting, and financial planning skills.
6. **Public Participation in Budgeting**: Promote citizen participation in the budgeting process to
ensure that local budgets reflect community priorities and preferences. Engage residents through
public consultations, participatory budgeting initiatives, and community meetings to solicit input on
budget allocations and expenditure decisions.

7. **Incentives for Fiscal Responsibility**: Provide incentives for fiscal responsibility and prudent
financial management practices at the local level. Reward local governments that demonstrate sound
fiscal management, adherence to budgetary constraints, and achievement of fiscal sustainability
targets.

8. **Fiscal Decentralization Laws**: Enact or revise fiscal decentralization laws and regulations to
clarify the legal framework governing revenue generation, expenditure management, and
intergovernmental fiscal relations. Ensure that laws are consistent with principles of subsidiarity,
accountability, and equity.

9. **Inter-Governmental Coordination**: Strengthen coordination and collaboration between

central and local governments to ensure coherence in fiscal policies and strategies. Establish
platforms for dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation to resolve conflicts and promote mutual
understanding.

10. **Evaluation and Monitoring**: Regularly evaluate and monitor the impact of fiscal
decentralization reforms on local governance, service delivery, and socio-economic development
outcomes. Use performance indicators, benchmarks, and evaluation criteria to assess the
effectiveness and efficiency of fiscal decentralization initiatives.

By implementing these reforms and suggestions, local self-government entities can enhance their
financial autonomy, improve governance effectiveness, and better meet the needs of their
communities. Fiscal decentralization can contribute to more responsive, accountable, and
sustainable local governance systems that empower communities and promote socio-economic
development.

Reforms on accountability and transparency in local self-government are crucial for promoting good
governance, fostering public trust, and ensuring that government institutions serve the interests of
citizens effectively. Here are several suggestions for reforms in accountability and transparency:

1. **Strengthen Legal Frameworks**: Review and update existing laws, regulations, and policies to
enhance accountability and transparency in local self-government. Clarify the roles and
responsibilities of government officials, establish clear standards of conduct, and outline mechanisms
for enforcing accountability.
2. **Enhance Public Access to Information**: Improve access to government information by
proactively disclosing public records, meeting minutes, budgets, financial statements, and other
relevant documents. Utilize digital platforms and online portals to facilitate easy and transparent
access to government information for all citizens.

3. **Open Decision-Making Processes**: Increase transparency in decision-making processes by

holding public meetings, hearings, and consultations on key policy decisions and initiatives. Provide
opportunities for citizen input and participation in decision-making to ensure that government
actions reflect the needs and priorities of the community.

4. **Implement Whistleblower Protection**: Establish mechanisms to protect whistleblowers who

report corruption, misconduct, or unethical behavior within local government institutions. Ensure
that whistleblowers are safeguarded from retaliation and provided with legal protections and
support.

5. **Enhance Financial Disclosure**: Require government officials to disclose their financial

interests, assets, and liabilities to promote transparency and prevent conflicts of interest. Implement
robust financial disclosure requirements for elected officials, public servants, and government
contractors.

6. **Independent Oversight Bodies**: Establish independent oversight bodies, such as ethics

commissions, ombudsman offices, or audit committees, to monitor government activities, investigate
complaints, and ensure compliance with ethical standards and legal requirements.

74th Constitution Amendment Act (1992)[11]

The system of urban local government, often known as the municipalities, was
constitutionalized by the passage of the 74th constitutional amendment act. it offers a
structure for decentralizing obligations and duties to municipal organizations at various
state levels.

This act adds the twelfth schedule and part ixa to the constitution. in articles 243p to 243gz,
the municipality is covered.

Historical Perspective:

 The first municipal corporation was established in Madras in 1668, followed by those
in Bombay and Calcutta in 1726.
 The 1882 Lord Ripon resolution is referred to as the "Magna Carta" of municipal self-
government.
 The term "Father of Local Self-Government" refers to him.
 The Cantonment legislation was approved by the Central Government in 1924, and
local self-governance was designated as a provincial subject under the Provincial
Autonomy Plan put out by the Government of India Act of 1935
Resolution Of 1882[4]
Lord Ripon took extra care in this resolution to make it clear that the system of local self-
government should be expanded. would not result in a shift for the better in terms of
municipal administration's effectiveness.

Ashok Mehata Committee

in order to research panchayati raj institutions, the janata government organized the ashok
mehta committee in december 1977. as an alternative to the tyre system suggested by the
balwant rai committee, this committee promoted a two-tier structure for panchayat raj,
incorporating zilla parishads at the district level and mandal panchayats. it produced a
report in august 1978 with 132 recommendations for bolstering and revitalizing the nation's
failing panchayati raj structure. let's look at the precise proposals made by the ashok mehta
committee in this article for the expansion of panchayati raj in India.[7]