The correct answer is (a) Acharya Narendra Deo.
Acharya Narendra Deo was a freedom fighter, social worker, and politician who is considered as the “Architect of Panchayati Raj” in India. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and played a key role in drafting the Panchayati Raj system. He was also the founder of the All India Panchayat Parishad.
G.V.K. Rao was an Indian economist and civil servant who served as the first Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India. He was also the Chairman of the Finance Commission of India.
B.R. Mehta was an Indian economist and civil servant who served as the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance. He was also the Chairman of the Indian Statistical Institute.
L.M. Singhavi was an Indian economist and civil servant who served as the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Planning. He was also the Chairman of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.
Acharya Narendra Deo was the most influential person in the development of Panchayati Raj in India. He was a strong advocate of decentralization and believed that Panchayati Raj was the best way to ensure that the benefits of development reached the poorest and most marginalized sections of society. He played a key role in drafting the Panchayati Raj system and was instrumental in its implementation.