Rajasthan was the first State to implement the scheme of democratic decentralization in 1959 and create a Panchayati Raj system broadly resembling the model suggested by Balwant Rai Mehta Study Team. But the Government of Maharashtra did not accept this model. It appointed Naik Committee in 1961 to suggest a suitable model. On the recommendations of this committee, the state decided to make the district level body-Zila Parishad-the unit of planning and implementation. All the developmental

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... tments at the district level were put under its control. The Panchayat Samiti was made only a committee of the Zila Parishad. No changes were made regarding the Gram Panchayat. Instead of indirect, direct elections were to be held at all the levels. The Collector, the MPs and the MLAs were kept out of the Panchayati Raj system. Provision was made for the appointment of a senior IAS officer as the Chief Executive Officer of the Zila Parishad. Although most of the states opted for the Rajasthan model for their Panchayati Raj system, others went in for a hybrid form. In fact, every state created a Panchayati Raj system of its own. But the study teams and the committee appointed by them to evaluate their Panchayati Raj system mostly favoured adoption of the Maharashtra model.