Need For Strengthening Of Decentralised Planning Through Activation Of District Planning Committees (Dpcs) In India

Abstract

The institution of District Planning Committee (DPC) as envisaged in the 73^rd and 74th Amendment of the Indian Constitution is the realisation of consistent and conscious effort towards decentralised planning since the process of planned development began in the country. The desire for decentralised planning was first expressed way back in the first five year plan, when it was suggested to break the planning process into national, state, district and at community level. However, the idea was given a concrete shape with the establishment of the District Development Council to consolidate plans prepared at the village level through a participative process. The newly established Local Self Government Institutions at the village, block and district level were to help prepare these plans. The Administrative Reforms Commission in its report of 1967 stressed on the need for meaningful planning at the district level especially focusing on local variations in development. Consequently, the Planning Commission issued guidelines for district planning in 1969, which led to several states formulating district plans.