Question 12GS2GS2

The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective. (Answer in 250 words)

Main Body

District Planning Committee (DPC) led by the district magistrate/elected elector was envisioned as a key tool to uphold the need for planned urbanization in India. However it has been ineffective due to many issues.

DPC has achieved much success:

1Separate focus on planned development by the district administration.

2Efficient distribution of infrastructure in Pune by DPC

3Executive authority leading to faster action for planning.

4Power of DPCs to supervise plans and it's execution

5Grievance redressal provision in foot of the elector. (ET) Patterot against Harry deforestation for Mumbai metro.

Challenges faced by DPC:

1Overlap of powers with local self governance - ULBs, Sarpanch impedding it's functioning.

2Lack of financial autonomy and dependence on state a ULBs (ET) Lack of funds with Mumbai DPC

3Lack of inclusion of experts in the committee over government servants

4Save aarey protest not being head by the DPC

5Comprehensive district coverage in distribution of infrastructure as not undertaken causing regional disparity.

undertaken causing regional disparity.

5Lack of operation & maintenance of public infrastructure. (ET) Poor condition of roads in Thiruvananthapuram

Measures to be taken:

1Clearly delineate the power for planning of DPC and ULBs

2Set fixed budgets in DPC in every budget by ULBs

3Adding subject matter experts on planning of sustainability

4Strengthening - funds, functions, functionaries => Second ARC

5Prompt science & federal based on restitution Model => Second ARC.

Hence the harmonizing & functioning of DPC & ULBs is a necessity to make one cities equipped for the 21st century

263 words5 paragraphs

Conclusion

Hence the harmonizing & functioning of DPC & ULBs is a necessity to make one cities equipped for the 21st century

21 words

Examiner score

1.2/10

Open original scan

Page 29

Topper

Aditya Narayan H

AIR 68

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Local Self Government

District Planning Committee

Structure and Functioning of DPC

Writing Stats

284

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone