Balwantrai Mehta (1900-1965)

Balwantrai Mehta was a distinguished freedom fighter, social worker, and former Chief Minister of Gujarat. He actively participated in the Satyagraha Movement under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and faced imprisonment for his role in the struggle for independence. In 1927, he joined the Servants of the People Society founded by Lala Lajpat Rai and later became its President.

Social Work and Reform

Inspired by A. V. Thakkar (Thakkar Bapa), Mehta established the Harijan Ashram at Bhavnagar and worked for the upliftment of marginalized communities. He also participated in the historic Bardoli Satyagraha.

Political Contributions

Mehta played a key role in the movement for self-rule in princely states, serving as Secretary and later Vice-President of the All India States Peoples’ Conference. He was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 1947 and later served as a Member of Parliament in 1952 and 1957. He also held important positions such as Secretary of the Congress Parliamentary Party and Chairman of the Estimates Committee.

Pioneer of Panchayati Raj

Balwantrai Mehta is best remembered for his contribution to democratic decentralisation. The Panchayati Raj system in India is based on the recommendations of the Balwantrai Mehta Committee, making him a pioneer in grassroots governance.

Chief Minister of Gujarat

As the second Chief Minister of Gujarat (1963–1965), he provided dynamic leadership for the state’s development. His tenure was cut short by his untimely death.

Commemorative Stamp

The Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp in his honour as part of the series “Personalities: Socio-Political (Birth Centenaries)”, recognizing his immense contributions to India’s socio-political development.