Consider the following statements in respect of Ashok Mehta Committee on…

Concept

The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977-78) was appointed to revive and strengthen Panchayati Raj after the decline of the Balwant Rai Mehta three-tier model. Its central thrust was structural simplification and real empowerment: replace the weak three-tier setup with a compact, more workable structure, make the elected district body the genuine seat of power through devolution, and treat Panchayats as political-developmental institutions rather than apolitical bodies.

Applying it to each statement

• Two-tier structure: The committee recommended replacing the three-tier system with a two-tier system, the Zila Parishad at the district level and the Mandal Panchayat (a group of villages) below it. This statement matches the committee's recommendation.

• "Peace Committees for non-secular issues": The committee proposed Nyaya Panchayats (separate judicial panchayats headed by a qualified judge) for dispute resolution, not "Peace Committees at each district level to resolve non-secular issues." This description does not correspond to any Ashok Mehta recommendation.

• Supremacy of elected bodies via devolution: The committee wanted the elected Panchayati Raj bodies to be supreme in the district, with substantial powers and resources devolved to them so they could plan and execute development. This statement reflects the committee's intent.

• Non-participation of political parties: The committee in fact recommended the open, official participation of political parties in Panchayat elections, so the idea of barring them is the opposite of what was proposed.

Cross-check and result

Two of the four descriptions match the committee's actual recommendations: the move to a two-tier structure and the supremacy of elected bodies through devolution of powers. The other two misstate the committee (Nyaya Panchayats are mischaracterised, and party participation is reversed). Hence the correct statements are (i) and (iii).