Explanation: The concept of elected bodies in the context of Indian states, particularly in the early 1960s, is closely tied to the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system. This system was a significant part of the broader political reforms aimed at decentralizing governance and empowering local communities. The Panchayati Raj system was introduced to enhance local democracy and administrative efficiency by allowing local bodies to manage their own affairs.
In the early 1960s, several states in India began to adopt the Panchayati Raj system. Among these, Gujarat and Maharashtra were notable for their early adoption of this system. The implementation of the Panchayati Raj system in these states was part of a larger effort to decentralize governance and give more power to local communities. This system allowed for the election of local bodies, which were responsible for managing local affairs and implementing development programs.
Gujarat and Maharashtra were pioneers in this regard. In Gujarat, the Panchayati Raj system was implemented in 1960, following the recommendations of the Balwantrai Mehta Committee. This committee had suggested the establishment of a three-tier system of local self-governance, comprising Gram Panchayats (village-level bodies), Panchayat Samitis (block-level bodies), and Zilla Parishads (district-level bodies). The implementation of this system in Gujarat was a significant step towards decentralizing governance and empowering local communities.
Similarly, in Maharashtra, the Panchayati Raj system was implemented in 1961. The state government established a three-tier system of local self-governance, similar to that in Gujarat. This system allowed for the election of local bodies, which were responsible for managing local affairs and implementing development programs. The implementation of the Panchayati Raj system in Maharashtra was also a significant step towards decentralizing governance and empowering local communities.
It is important to note that while Gujarat and Maharashtra were among the first states to adopt the Panchayati Raj system in the early 1960s, other states in India adopted this system at different times. For example, Bihar implemented the Panchayati Raj system much later, in the 1980s. The timeline of the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system varied across different states, reflecting the broader context of political reforms in India during this period.
In conclusion, the correct answer is (D) Only (A) & (B), as Gujarat and Maharashtra were the states that adopted the system of elected bodies in the early 1960s. This adoption was part of the broader political reforms aimed at decentralizing governance and empowering local communities through the Panchayati Raj system.