Public Administration Mains 2017 : Model Question and Answer - 33
Public Administration Mains 2017 : Model Question and Answer
(Public Administration Paper II / Chapter: Plans and Priorities)
(Current Based) Question : Explain the problems in planning process at State and district level.(20 Marks/300 Words)
Model Answer :
The Planning Process in India, having being highly centralized in the past as highlighted by Ashok Chandra and K. Santhanam. The First ARC envisioned a decentralized process and hence recommended establishment of District Planning Boards with the District being the sub-state unit where data collection takes place and has administrative institutions to facilitate such a planning process. The decentralized planning machinery was given its Constitutional status under the 74th CAA, 1992 as Article 243 of the Constitution. Planning has been an integral part of the rapid economic development in India. The Niti Aayog at the center, the State Planning Board at the state and the District Planning at the sub state level prepare plans for development at their respective level. The total outlook of planning in India is centralized hence the development plans for the state and district level are worked out within the broad framework as developed by the Niti Aayog.
Some of the issues in State planning process are :
1.The process of plan-formulation lacks vigor.
2. Dominance of the Central plan
3.Dependence on the grants from the Niti Aayog
4.People's participation is not there.
5. Irregular evaluation of the plans.
Some of the issues in district planning process are :
1.Role of planning not given adequate attention by the bureaucrats and
politicians.
2. Detailed data on the resources not available.
3. State governments do not want to delegate adequate powers to lower levels.
4. Due to centralization, local problems couldn't be sufficiently addressed.
Therefore, despite the constitutional provision to devolve powers and create a decentralized planning machinery, there is still much work to be done for to get participation and its due recognition in the national plans. There should be proper coordination of plans at the center, state and district level for an inclusive growth. (Total Words- 296)
(Linkages : 1st ARC and decentralized planning process, District Planning and District Planning Board, State Planning and Niti Aayog /State Planning Board)