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 is a constitutional body for coordinated planning of districts fulfilling the goal of vibrant grassroots democracy. DPC consists of both members from Panchayats and municipal bodies Prepare a holistic plan for development of district - integrate gram panchayat development plan. Success of DPC in achieving this goal: (1) Decentralized planning through people's participation (People's Plan Campaign) (2) Implementation of socio-economic planning (3) Digital Panchayats of Chhattisgarh (free wifi)

3Budget to devolve money at grassroot levels - (2 4-6 lakh cr) by 15th Finance Commission to local bodies (4) Integration of technology in planning and management (G9) drone survey under PH-SUAMITVA (5) Capacity building of local staff in management of resources through Rastriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan. Challenges in DPCs: (1) Irregular meetings and meagre attendance - no quorum fixed for meeting (2) Defunct in many states and not even formed in many states (3) Lack of devolution of full function under schedule 11 and schedule 12 (G9) restricted to civic duties, beneficiary identification only. (4) Inadequate funds devolution by State Finance Commission - only (G3) states have formed it (5) Bureaucratic attitude - looked down upon by district administrative (6) Lack of capacity of staff - meagre auditing, poor computerization knowledge

Measures Needed: (1) Policy - devolve all functions under schedule 11 and 12, put quorum at meetings, compulsory attendance, other time (2) Technology - Virtual reality simulated training centalised portal to foetick meetings of DPC - link it to performance (3) Devolve funds - empower DPCs, Capacity building - Digital Panchayats, Internships etc. (4) Capacity building - Digital Panchayats, Internships etc. These measures can largely ensure DPC remain grassroots planning body/attitude.

275 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

These measures can largely ensure DPC remain grassroots planning body/attitude.

10 words

Open original scan

Page 29

Topper

Pawan Kumar Pandey

AIR 1382025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Federal Structure - Functions, Responsibilities, Devolution of Powers and Finances

Devolution to Local Levels

Writing Stats

285

Total words

Paragraphs

structured and prescriptive

Tone