Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) aimed to institutionalize Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as self-governing entities, fostering decentralized planning and participatory governance. A key component of this framework was the establishment of District Planning Committees (DPCs) under Article 243ZD of the Constitution. These committees were envisioned as crucial for consolidating plans prepared by PRIs and ULBs, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach to district-level development. However, it is widely observed that many DPCs remain non-functional, hindering the effective convergence of rural and urban planning needs and undermining the spirit of decentralized governance.
Understanding District Planning Committees (DPCs)
DPCs are constituted to prepare a district plan for the economic development and social justice, integrating plans prepared by the Panchayats and Municipalities. Their composition includes elected representatives from the District Boards, members of Parliament and State Legislatures representing the district, and representatives from relevant departments. The DPCs were intended to act as a bridge between the grassroots level planning by PRIs/ULBs and the macro-level planning by the state government.
Reasons for Non-Functionality of DPCs
Despite the constitutional mandate, DPCs have largely remained ineffective due to a multitude of reasons:
- Lack of Devolution of Funds: A major impediment is the insufficient devolution of financial resources to DPCs. Without adequate funds, they are unable to effectively consolidate plans or implement projects. The State Finance Commissions (SFCs) have often highlighted this issue in their reports.
- Insufficient Devolution of Functions: Many state governments have been reluctant to transfer functions related to planning, implementation, and monitoring to DPCs. This limits their authority and scope of operation.
- Insufficient Devolution of Functionaries: Lack of dedicated staff and technical expertise within DPCs hampers their ability to formulate comprehensive district plans.
- Political Interference: Political interference and bureaucratic hurdles often undermine the autonomy of DPCs, hindering their decision-making process.
- Lack of Capacity Building: Many elected representatives and officials involved in DPCs lack the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively participate in the planning process.
- Weak Coordination: Poor coordination between different departments and levels of government further exacerbates the problem.
Impact on Convergence of Rural and Urban Planning
The non-functioning of DPCs significantly impacts the convergence of rural and urban planning in several ways:
- Fragmented Planning: Without a consolidated district plan, rural and urban development initiatives often proceed in isolation, leading to duplication of efforts and inefficient resource allocation.
- Disparities in Development: Lack of integrated planning can exacerbate disparities between rural and urban areas, hindering balanced regional development. For example, urban areas may benefit from infrastructure projects while rural areas are neglected.
- Ineffective Implementation of Schemes: Schemes like MGNREGA, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban & Rural) require effective coordination between rural and urban areas for optimal impact. Non-functional DPCs hinder this coordination.
- Environmental Concerns: Integrated planning is crucial for addressing environmental challenges like water management, waste disposal, and pollution control. The absence of DPCs leads to uncoordinated and unsustainable practices.
- Difficulty in Addressing Regional Imbalances: DPCs are meant to identify and address regional imbalances within the district. Their non-functionality prevents a targeted approach to development.
Case Study: Rajasthan
Rajasthan provides a compelling case study. While the state has constituted DPCs, their effectiveness has been limited by issues of funding, staffing, and political interference. A study by the Centre for Policy Research (2018) found that DPCs in Rajasthan primarily functioned as review committees rather than active planning bodies, failing to effectively integrate rural and urban development initiatives. This resulted in fragmented implementation of schemes and limited impact on regional disparities.
The Role of State Governments
The onus of ensuring the effective functioning of DPCs lies primarily with the state governments. They need to:
- Strengthen the legal and institutional framework for DPCs.
- Ensure adequate devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to DPCs.
- Invest in capacity building for elected representatives and officials.
- Promote inter-departmental coordination and collaboration.
- Ensure political neutrality and autonomy of DPCs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the non-functioning of District Planning Committees is indeed a significant impediment to the convergence of rural and urban planning needs. While the 73rd and 74th Amendments provided a constitutional framework for decentralized planning, its effective implementation requires genuine political will, adequate resource allocation, and a commitment to empowering local bodies. Strengthening DPCs is not merely an administrative reform but a fundamental step towards achieving inclusive, sustainable, and equitable development at the district level. A renewed focus on these committees is crucial for realizing the full potential of decentralized governance in India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.