In the year 1986 the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi appointed a committee on “Revitalization of Panchayati Raj Institutions for Democracy and Development”, the L M Singhvi committee recommended that the Panchayati Raj institutions should be constitutionally recognized, protected and preserved. The committee recommended that a new chapter should be added to the Constitution for the same purpose. It also suggested constitutional provisions to ensure regular, free and fair elections to the Panchayati Raj bodies.

< b="" />Introduction< />
The committee that is best known for recommending the constitutional status for Panchayats is the LM Singhvi Committee.

< b="" />Background< />
Panchayats are local self-government institutions in India that play a crucial role in rural governance and development. They function at the village, intermediate, and district levels and are responsible for various functions such as planning, implementation, and monitoring of development schemes, social justice, and dispute resolution.

< b="" />The LM Singhvi Committee< />
The LM Singhvi Committee, also known as the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC), was constituted in 2000 by the Government of India. The committee was headed by Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah and had LM Singhvi as the Vice-Chairman. It consisted of various members, including legal experts, academicians, and eminent personalities from different fields.

< b="" />Recommendations< />
The LM Singhvi Committee made several important recommendations related to the constitutional status of Panchayats. Some of the key recommendations are as follows:

1. Constitutional Status: The committee recommended that Panchayats should be given constitutional status to ensure their autonomy, functional independence, and financial viability. It suggested amending the Constitution to provide a separate chapter on Panchayats.

2. Devolution of Powers: The committee emphasized the need for devolving powers and functions to Panchayats at all levels. It recommended the transfer of 29 subjects, including agriculture, health, education, and rural development, to the Panchayats.

3. Financial Autonomy: The committee stressed the importance of financial autonomy for Panchayats. It recommended that a certain proportion of the state's revenue should be allocated to Panchayats and that they should have the power to levy taxes, fees, and charges.

4. Reservation of Seats: The committee recommended the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in Panchayats to ensure their representation and participation in decision-making processes.

5. Strengthening of Panchayats: The committee suggested various measures to strengthen Panchayats, including capacity building, training programs, and the establishment of a Panchayati Raj University.

< b="" />Conclusion< />
The LM Singhvi Committee is best known for recommending the constitutional status for Panchayats. Its recommendations played a significant role in shaping the constitutional provisions related to Panchayats in India. The committee emphasized the importance of autonomy, devolution of powers, financial autonomy, and strengthening of Panchayats to ensure effective local self-governance and rural development.