P.K. Thungon Committee
Topic: Panchayati Raj: Rural Local Government · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 8 "Local Governments"
Meaning
The P.K. Thungon Committee (1988-89; Class 11 dates it 1989) recommended constitutional status for panchayats. It asked for elections at regular intervals, a fixed five-year term, and a list of functions and funds for panchayats. These ideas helped prepare the ground for the 64th Amendment Bill (1989) and the 73rd Amendment (1992).
Example
Its demand for a five-year term is now in Art. 243E. If a panchayat is dissolved early, a new one must be elected within six months. Its idea of listed functions is reflected in the Eleventh Schedule's 29 subjects.
Don't confuse with
- Gadgil Committee (1988): a Congress party committee with similar recommendations, such as three tiers, direct elections and reservations. The Thungon Committee was not a party body.
Related concepts
- Ashok Mehta Committee
- G.V.K. Rao Committee
- L.M. Singhvi Committee
- Gadgil Committee
- Constitution (64th Amendment) Bill 1989