Article 243ZD of the Indian Constitution: District Planning Committee | Kanoon.site
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Article 243ZD of the Indian Constitution: District Planning Committee

Part: IXA
Shorthand Notes: District Planning Committee, Consolidates Panchayat/Municipality plans, Drafts district development plan

Article 243ZD, introduced by the Constitution (Seventy-fourth Amendment) Act, 1992, mandates the constitution of a District Planning Committee (DPC) in every State at the district level. This article is crucial for integrating planning efforts at the local government level (rural and urban) and preparing a comprehensive development plan for the entire district, thereby facilitating decentralised planning and development. It bridges the gap between the planning done by Panchayats under Part IX and Municipalities under Part IXA of the Constitution.

The DPC serves as a vital mechanism for translating the aspirations and needs identified at the grassroots level into a cohesive district-level development strategy. It aims to ensure that the plans prepared by diverse local bodies within a district are consolidated, prioritised, and aligned with available resources for effective implementation and balanced regional development.

Original Text

243ZD. Committee for District Planning.

(1) There shall be constituted in every State at the district level a District Planning Committee to consolidate the plans prepared by the Panchayats and the Municipalities in the district and to prepare a draft development plan for the district as a whole.

(2) The Legislature of a State may, by law, make provision with respect to—

(a) the composition of the District Planning Committees;

(b) the manner in which the members of the District Planning Committees shall be chosen:

Provided that not less than four-fifths of the total number of members of such Committee shall be elected by, and from amongst, the elected members of the Panchayat at the district level and of the Municipalities in the district in proportion to the ratio between the population of the rural areas and of the urban areas in the district;

(c) the functions relating to district planning that may be assigned to the District Planning Committees;

(d) the manner in which the Chairpersons of such Committees shall be chosen.

(3) Every District Planning Committee shall, in preparing the draft development plan,—

(a) have regard to—

(i) the matters of common interest between the Panchayats and the Municipalities, including spatial planning, sharing of water and other physical and natural resources, the integrated development of infrastructure and environmental conservation;

(ii) the extent and type of available resources whether financial or otherwise;

(b) consult such institutions and organisations as the Governor may, by order, specify.

(4) The Chairperson of every District Planning Committee shall forward the development plan, as recommended by such Committee, to the Government of the State.

Detailed Explanation

Article 243ZD mandates the formation of a District Planning Committee (DPC) in every state. This committee is tasked with two primary functions: consolidating the development plans prepared by Panchayats (rural local bodies) and Municipalities (urban local bodies) within the district, and preparing a unified draft development plan for the entire district. This ensures an integrated approach to planning across rural and urban areas.

Clause (2) grants the State Legislature the power to make laws regarding various aspects of the DPC. This includes determining the exact composition of the committee [sub-clause (a)] and the manner in which its members shall be chosen [sub-clause (b)]. Importantly, the proviso to sub-clause (b) mandates that at least four-fifths (4/5th) of the total members of the DPC must be elected by and from among the elected members of the Panchayat at the district level (Zila Panchayat) and the Municipalities in the district. This election must be in proportion to the ratio of the rural population to the urban population in the district, ensuring equitable representation of both areas. The State Legislature can also define the specific functions relating to district planning that the DPC will perform [sub-clause (c)] and the manner of choosing the Chairperson of the committee [sub-clause (d)]. While the proviso in (2)(b) sets a minimum for elected members, states have flexibility in determining the composition of the remaining members (e.g., including ex-officio members like district collector, heads of district-level departments, MLAs, MPs).

Clause (3) lays down the specific considerations that the DPC must take into account while preparing the draft development plan. It must regard matters of common interest between Panchayats and Municipalities, such as spatial planning (land use), sharing of resources like water, integrated development of infrastructure across the district (like roads, transport, communication), and environmental conservation [sub-clause (a)(i)]. The committee must also consider the extent and type of resources available for development, both financial and otherwise [sub-clause (a)(ii)]. Furthermore, the DPC is required to consult institutions and organisations as may be specified by the Governor through an order [sub-clause (b)]. This allows for the involvement of relevant stakeholders, experts, or civil society groups in the planning process.

Finally, Clause (4) stipulates that the Chairperson of the District Planning Committee is responsible for forwarding the draft development plan, as recommended by the committee, to the State Government for consideration and approval.

Detailed Notes

  • Mandatory Constitution: Article 243ZD mandates the constitution of a District Planning Committee (DPC) in every State at the district level.
  • Purpose:
    • To consolidate the plans prepared by Panchayats (rural local bodies) in the district.
    • To consolidate the plans prepared by Municipalities (urban local bodies) in the district.
    • To prepare a draft development plan for the district as a whole.
  • State Legislature’s Power (Clause 2): The State Legislature can make laws regarding:
    • Composition of the DPC.
    • Manner of choosing DPC members.
    • Functions of the DPC related to district planning.
    • Manner of choosing the Chairperson.
  • Composition Mandate (Proviso to 2b):
    • Not less than four-fifths (4/5th) of the total members must be elected.
    • Elected members are chosen by and from amongst the elected members of the Zila Panchayat (district-level Panchayat) and the Municipalities in the district.
    • Representation of Zila Panchayat members and Municipality members must be in proportion to the ratio of rural population to urban population in the district.
  • Considerations for Draft Plan (Clause 3): The DPC must consider:
    • Common Interests:
      • Spatial planning.
      • Sharing of water and other physical/natural resources.
      • Integrated development of infrastructure.
      • Environmental conservation.
    • Available Resources: Extent and type (financial or otherwise).
    • Consultation: With institutions and organisations specified by the Governor.
  • Forwarding the Plan (Clause 4): The Chairperson of the DPC forwards the recommended draft development plan to the State Government.

Additional Comments

  • Article 243ZD is a key provision enabling integrated, bottom-up planning at the district level, bridging the divide between rural and urban development initiatives.
  • The mandatory election of at least 4/5th members from elected representatives of Panchayats and Municipalities ensures democratic representation from local bodies in the planning process.
  • The proportionality based on population ratio between rural and urban areas aims to give equitable voice to both segments of the district.
  • The DPC’s focus on matters of common interest like spatial planning and integrated infrastructure highlights the necessity of looking at the district as a single planning unit, rather than isolated rural and urban pockets.
  • Despite the constitutional mandate, the effectiveness of DPCs varies across states, often facing challenges related to inadequate powers, lack of technical expertise, limited financial resources, and political interference.
  • The DPC is distinct from the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC) constituted under Article 243ZE, which is for planning in metropolitan areas.

Summary

Article 243ZD requires the constitution of a District Planning Committee in every state to consolidate plans from Panchayats and Municipalities and prepare a draft development plan for the entire district. The State Legislature has powers to determine the composition, election process, functions, and chairperson selection, with a mandatory provision that at least four-fifths of members are elected representatives from district-level Panchayats and Municipalities, based on rural-urban population ratios. In preparing the plan, the committee must consider common interests like spatial planning, resource sharing, integrated infrastructure, and environmental conservation, along with available resources, and consult specified bodies. The DPC Chairperson is responsible for submitting the recommended draft plan to the State Government.
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