Question 12.GS2GS2
The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroot-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)
Introduction
District Planning Committee (DPC) is an institution where both urban and rural components of local-level governance cooperate and coordinate to give effect to policies.
24 words
Main Body
District Planning Committee (DPC) is an institution where both urban and rural components of local-level governance cooperate and coordinate to give effect to policies.
Challenges faced by DPC:
1Headed by bureaucratic work culture - often causing delays and cost overruns
2Creation of para-statal bodies [like Special Purpose Vehicles under Smart Cities Mission]
3Lack of managerial skills among representatives of local level government
4Sarpanches, branches - just for ticking the boxes.
5No substantial devolution of powers to local government by the States (Schedule XI, XII etc)
Measures needed to make DPC more effective:
1Skilling of local level government representative via National Institute of Local Governance
2On-line monitoring of works implemented by DPC
3GR Code based public feedback system
4Removing red-tapism by streamlining procedures
5Giving clear cut and separate mandate to DPC and SPVs
— Ananya Rana · AIR 60
142 words1 paragraphs
Conclusion
DPC as an instrument of grassroot development must pay heed to public grievances by keeping its 'ears and eyes to the ground'.
22 words
Diagram
Achievements of DPC in strengthening grassroot-level planning showing: (1) Cooperation between rural and urban counterparts, (2) Link between local and central level governance structures, (3) Preparation of district-level plans to ensure holistic development
- Clear definition of DPC's institutional role
- Identifies key functioning aspects through structured diagram
- Distinguishes urban-rural coordination mechanisms
- Identifies multiple challenges systematically
- References constitutional provisions (Schedule XI, XII)
- Connects to contemporary schemes (Smart Cities)
- Provides concrete and actionable measures
- References institutional framework (NILG)
- Addresses both technical and administrative solutions
- Strong concluding statement
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Topper
Ananya Rana
AIR 602025
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Local Self-Government
District Planning Committee
Role and Functioning of DPC
Writing Stats
188
Total words
1
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone