District Collector will hold the position of ex-officio Member-Secretary within the DPC
Raipur, 10 August 2023//
The Chhattisgarh Government has assigned responsibilities to the State Planning Commission (SPC) to develop decentralised district plans, evaluate them, and allocate resources based on priorities outlined in these plans. The Commission will also provide periodic recommendations to the state government. The Commission has laid out comprehensive provisions, under the purview of the Constitution and state-related legislation, establishing decentralised annual plans at the district level. This framework empowers rural and urban bodies within districts in order to formulate plans for local socio-economic progress. The District Planning Committee (DPC) will consolidate these plans, resulting in the formulation of a ‘Decentralised Annual District Plan’. Notably, the District Collector will hold the position of ex-officio Member-Secretary within the DPC, ensuring coordination and implementation.
The SPC released guidelines for the 2024–25 decentralised district plan, prepared by the SPC in collaboration with the Rural Development and Urban Administration departments. Copies of these plans will be shared with Collectors, CEOs, District Panchayats, and relevant state departments. Following approval by the District Planning Committee, plans must be submitted to the State Planning Commission by September 30, 2023.
The SPC has issued comprehensive guidelines to prioritise the local needs for the socio-economic development of rural and urban areas and consider them for formulating plans. The SDG District Progress Report, prepared by the Commission, will serve as a foundation for this process. Notably, provisions will ensure significant consideration for requirements identified by local rural and urban entities. Deputy Chairman Mr. Ajay Singh has directed District Collectors to submit the decentralised annual district plan in writing by September 30, 2023.
The SPC has issued new guidelines for formulating decentralised annual district plans, aiming for approval by the District Planning Committee with local input aligned with the Constitution’s essence. This approach allows the state government to consider the grassroots needs of the people during the allocation of development projects.
