Correct Option
The correct option is Constitutional recognition for local government bodies..
Explanation
The P.K. Thungon Committee was a sub-committee of the Consultative Committee of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. It was constituted in 1988 to examine the political and administrative structure in the district for the purpose of district planning.
Detailed Analysis
- Constitutional Recognition: The most significant recommendation of the P.K. Thungon Committee was that Panchayati Raj bodies should be constitutionally recognized. It argued that constitutional status was necessary to ensure the sanctity, regularity, and effective functioning of these institutions.
- Three-Tier Structure: It recommended a three-tier structure of Panchayati Raj at the village, block, and district levels.
- Tenure and Elections: The committee suggested a fixed tenure of five years for these bodies and emphasized timely elections.
- State Finance Commission: It recommended setting up a State Finance Commission in each state to lay down the criteria and guidelines for the devolution of financial resources to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
- Impact: Based on the recommendations of the Thungon Committee (and the subsequent Gadgil Committee), the government introduced the 64th Constitutional Amendment Bill in 1989, which eventually evolved into the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
Incorrect Options:
- Abolition of the post of Governor to strengthen federalism.: The committee did not recommend the abolition of the post of Governor.
- Establishment of the Community Development Programme.: The Community Development Programme (CDP) was launched much earlier, in 1952.
- Merger of rural and urban local bodies into a single entity.: While coordination is required, the committee did not recommend merging rural and urban bodies into a single entity; distinct provisions exist for Municipalities (74th Amendment).
Key Takeaway:
The P.K. Thungon Committee is primarily remembered for recommending constitutional status for Panchayati Raj Institutions, a pivotal step that led to the passage of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.