Panchayati Raj institutions are based on the idea of democratic decentralisation which envisages people’s participation in the governance at the local levels. The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, 1956, which was constituted to enquire into and give recommendations regarding the Panchayati Raj institutions, proposed a three tier system, consisting of (a) village panchayats at village level formed by the inclusion of Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat and Nayaya Panchayat; (b) Panchayat Samitees at block levels to monitor the developmental work carried forward by the government and (c) Zila Parishad at district level consisting of representatives of Panchayat Samitees, MPs ....
