The correct answer is: D. Ashok Mehta committee, 1978
The Ashok Mehta committee was set up in 1977 by the Janata Party government to look into the issue of decentralization in India. The committee submitted its report in 1978, and its recommendations formed the basis of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which were passed in 1992. These amendments introduced Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at the village, block, and district levels.
The idea of democratic decentralization is based on the principle that people should have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. PRIs are designed to provide a forum for people to participate in local governance and to hold their elected representatives accountable.
The Ashok Mehta committee made a number of recommendations for strengthening PRIs. These included increasing the powers and resources of PRIs, making them more representative, and ensuring their accountability to the people. The committee also recommended that PRIs be linked to the planning process and that they be given a role in implementing development programs.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments have had a significant impact on the development of PRIs in India. However, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to make PRIs more effective. These include ensuring that PRIs are adequately funded, that they have the necessary powers and functions, and that they are truly representative of the people.
The A.D. Gorwala committee, the Paul H. Appleby committee, and the B.R. Mehta committee were all set up to look into the issue of decentralization in India. However, their recommendations were not as far-reaching as those of the Ashok Mehta committee.